President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto. [Photo/zipo.co.ke]
At least Sh1 billion was raised by business tycoons and top government officials on Friday night in support of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid.
The exclusive fundraiser dinner was held at the Safari Park Hotel and Casino in Nairobi.
Both the President and his deputy, William Ruto, were in attendance.
Speaking during the function the Jubilee Party leader asked the donors not to fund their rivals, the National Super Alliance (Nasa), which is led by Raila Odinga.
“Tunajua vile wengine wanafanya, unaweka kidogo hapa na kidogo pale (We know what some are doing, you put a little here and a little there)” – Uhuru told the tycoons, as reported by The Nation.
Over the years, financiers and donors have been channelling money to both the incumbents and the opposition, with the intention of spreading risks, so that whichever way the election goes, they are covered.
In reference to this, Uhuru said he will only allow donors to visit him at State House during the day.
“You must believe in something and support it. I know some of you say they don’t want to be associated with politics and want to pass their support under the table. They are acting as if they do not believe in something because, if they did, they would openly come out in support of the Jubilee government achievements for Kenya,” Uhuru said during the function.
Majority of the guests during the dinner paid Sh10 million per plate in a show of solidarity with the Jubilee Party.
The sitting arrangement during the dinner was dictated by the amount contributed by the individual.
Those who sat at the platinum section paid Sh10 million each, gold section Sh5 million each, silver Sh2.5 million and bronze Sh1 million each. Others who attended raised sh500,000 each. They were in the garnet category. Some supporters sent their contributions but never attended the fundraiser.
Some of the tycoons supporting Uhuru are: John PN Simba (business guru and prominent advocate), Titus Ibui (secretary), Paul Ndung’u SportPesa architect (treasurer), Peter Munga (Equity Bank founder - member), Joel Kibe (CMC director - member), Peter Muthoka (business mogul - member), Pius Ngugi (member).