President William Ruto has given in to the pressure of dishing out money at Harambees after banning other politicians from doing the same.
While at a Sunday ervice at Soweto Catholic Church, the Head of State contributed millions of shillings for ongoing Harambees including for the construction of a house and for purchasing a church bus.
According to Ruto, the money he has given away will be accounted for to ensure that it is not misused.
“I have been informed by the chairman that you are putting up a house for the Father of this church, I am a builder. I am building affordable housing and others.
“So on Monday or Tuesday, I will give him Ksh5 million towards that. However, I will follow up on that money. I will know if you misuse it,” he said.
Additionally, the president also gave away an additional Ksh300,000 for the children’s choir to go towards purchasing new uniforms.
He argued that it was important for him to attend the service and address some concerns that were important for the congregants and the community.
“Sakaja has already given you(the choir) some money, but I want to help you tailor a new set of uniforms. Therefore, I am giving the children Ksh300,000 for that.
“And then I will make the rest of the choir another set of uniforms as well before I leave,” he added.
Also Read: Ruto Promises to Donate Money for Church Building Days After Banning Harambees
Ruto Bans Harambees
Ruto on July 7, banned all State officers and government officials from attending harambees and fundraisers in the country after an uproar from Kenyans.
He said that the decision was made following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, and directed the former Attorney General Justin Muturi to provide legislation of public contributions following the order.
“No state officer or public servant shall participate in public contributions or any harambees going forward. The Attorney General is hereby directed to provide legislation and provide a mechanism for structured and transparent contributions for public charitable and philanthropic purposes,” said Ruto.
According to the President, the ban is part of the government’s efforts to improve equality, transparency and efficiency in serving the people of Kenya.
Also Read: Oscar Sudi Announces Next Move Hours After Ruto’s Ban on Harambees
Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024
The Bill aims to regulate how Harambees are conducted, ensuring transparency and accountability, seeking to replace outdated laws and addressing issues related to corruption and the misuse of funds.
Further, it seeks to replace the Public Collections Act (Cap. 106) whose architecture does not fully comply with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Parliament argues that the Act is also not sufficiently robust in addressing corruption tendencies that are sometimes associated with public fundraising appeals
“Further, the Act excludes from its purview charitable and religious purposes, yet these form a large component of fundraising appeals.
“The Appeals Bill, 2024, therefore, seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the carrying out of fundraising appeals, to provide for persons who may conduct fundraising appeals and to regulate the participation of State and public officers in fundraising appeals,”
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