Nyakera: Mt Kenya MPs were paid Sh3 million to mobilize for Ruto

By Newsflash Reporter

Former Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Chairperson Irungu Nyakera has alleged that Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya region were given Sh3 million each to mobilize people for President William Ruto’s ongoing visit in the region.

Speaking during an interview on Kameme TV’s morning show “Rikiratha” on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Nyakera claimed that the turnout at Ruto’s meetings was driven by financial incentives rather than genuine public support.

“People are attending the President’s meetings to be paid. Those who attended came from far. Boda boda operators were given Sh2,000 each. There were buses that ferried people, hidden away but eventually photographed. Some people even traveled from as far as Thika,” said Nyakera.

The former Transport Principal Secretary further alleged that MPs received substantial financial incentives to ensure large crowds at Ruto’s events.

“Every MP was given Sh3 million to mobilize people,” he stated.

Links dismissal to his political stand

Nyakera, who was fired from his position as KICC chairperson by President Ruto on April 1, linked his dismissal to his decision to distance himself from Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour.

“From when I announced that I would not accompany President William Ruto to the Mountain, the first thing to be printed by the government’s printer was my dismissal,” he said.

He accused the government of suppressing dissent and forcing leaders to blindly support the President.

“This government wants a President’s choir-member… Even if the President says 8+4=10, don’t say it’s 12; say 10 and clap,” he remarked sarcastically. “Then you clap.”

Criticism of government’s performance

Nyakera also took issue with the government’s track record, saying it had failed to deliver on its promises to Kenyans.

“This government has not fulfilled all the promises it gave to the public. That’s why I said that I won’t go and lie in the President’s meetings,” he asserted.

He alleged that Principal Secretaries (PSs) from Mt Kenya were working in constant fear of being sacked, and predicted imminent changes in government appointments.

“All Principal Secretaries from Mt Kenya are staying in fear of being sacked. Most of them will be sacked in the coming week. Before they sign anything, they have to make like 30 calls,” he claimed.

Calls for Mt Kenya political autonomy

Nyakera maintained that Mt Kenya should be led by its own people and not by external political forces.

“We shall not be led by someone who is not from Mt Kenya. We shall be directed by Uhuru Kenyatta or Rigathi Gachagua,” he declared.

His remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing political rift within the region, where loyalty to Ruto and Gachagua remains a divisive issue.

Nyakera’s claims come amid widespread allegations of political mobilization and crowd-renting during Ruto’s visits, with videos emerging online showing people allegedly receiving money to attend his meetings. The government, however, has denied such claims, maintaining that the President enjoys overwhelming support in the region.