Ruto Takes Aim at Politicians Allegedly Living Large After Asking Kenyans to Fund Campaigns

President William Ruto has cautioned mama mbogas and other ordinary Kenyans against politicians who ask them to contribute money for political campaigns while allegedly living lavish lifestyles in Nairobi.

Ruto made the remarks while addressing residents, urging them to be careful about leaders who portray themselves as struggling when seeking financial support.

The President claimed some politicians present themselves as poor when interacting with citizens at the grassroots, yet allegedly enjoy expensive lifestyles when they return to Nairobi.

“When they come down here, they pretend to be poor, yet when they are back in Nairobi, they take expensive drinks,” Ruto claimed.

His remarks focused on political fundraising and the relationship between leaders and ordinary citizens, particularly small-scale traders who work daily to support their families.

Ruto urged Kenyans to question requests for campaign contributions and consider whether politicians genuinely require financial assistance before giving away their hard-earned money.

The President’s comments come as political activity intensifies ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, with politicians increasingly touring different parts of the country and seeking support from grassroots communities.

Mama mbogas have frequently featured in Ruto’s political messaging, with the President presenting small traders as an important group under his administration’s bottom-up economic approach.

The government has also highlighted initiatives targeting small businesses, including modern markets and other programmes intended to improve trading conditions for informal-sector workers.

In previous remarks, Ruto has said mama mbogas and boda boda riders should receive attention in government programmes, including affordable housing opportunities.

The latest statement therefore places renewed attention on how ordinary Kenyans participate in political fundraising and the expectations placed on them by leaders seeking electoral support.

Ruto’s comments also reflect the increasingly competitive political environment ahead of the next election, where politicians are expected to intensify grassroots mobilisation and public engagements.

The President, however, did not identify the politicians he was referring to when making the claim about campaign contributions and expensive drinks.

His remarks are likely to generate discussion among Kenyans, particularly small traders who remain an important constituency in the country’s political campaigns and economic conversations.