- Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama stirred public attention after a video emerged showing him handing out cash to attendees of a high-profile meeting at State House
- The meeting was convened by President William Ruto, amid rising insecurity in Nakuru County, where civilians have recently lost their lives, and police have come under fire for alleged brutality
- Ruto pledged to support various development projects in Nakuru, including dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, rehabilitation of key stadiums, and revival of stalled infrastructure works
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Cash flowed freely at State House Nairobi, where attendees of a high-level meeting received money on President William Ruto’s directive to buy them lunch.
Nakuru Town West Member of Parliament Samuel Arama made headlines after a viral video captured him handing out bundles of cash to attendees of the meeting hosted by Ruto.
The meeting, held in response to growing insecurity in Nakuru County, brought together leaders from the region to address the deteriorating safety situation and alleged cases of police misconduct.
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In the video seen by TUKO.co.ke, Arama is heard thanking those who had shown up, before telling them the president had instructed him to cater for their lunch.
He then pulled out a large brown envelope stuffed with cash and announced that each invited attendee would receive KSh 10,000.
“The boss said I should buy you lunch. So all of you, if you were invited, you will get KSh 10,000. I am a transparent leader. Let no one go out there to say they were given less money,” he said as the crowd erupted in cheers.
The meeting at State House came in the wake of a worrying crime wave in Nakuru.
In recent weeks, residents have been living in fear following multiple attacks by thugs, some of which turned deadly.
Amid the chaos, the police have been accused of responding with excessive force, allegedly shooting innocent civilians. These incidents triggered protests across the county, with locals demanding justice and better security.
What did Ruto say about Nakuru insecurity?
Ruto addressed the matter during the meeting, saying law enforcement agencies must act within the bounds of the Constitution.
“The National Police Service must boldly discharge its constitutional role of protecting Kenyans and their property from criminals, be they in civilian or uniform,” he said in a post shared on his social media pages.
He also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to move quickly in handling cases involving alleged police brutality.
“IPOA must also be more proactive in swiftly dealing with rogue elements within the ranks,” Ruto added.
Nakuru governor Susan Kihika led the county delegation, which included Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.
The leaders discussed the region’s development progress and key areas that require national government support.
In a statement shared after the meeting, Kihika noted that the president had pledged to fast-track several projects that would benefit Nakuru residents.
“Pleased that the president committed to starting the dualling of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road this August,” she said.
She further announced that the Kenya Defence Forces would be deployed to complete ongoing works at Afraha and Olenguruone stadiums, as well as the Trauma Centre at Nakuru PGH.
Other projects include the revival of works at Lanet Airport, the fast-tracking of the stalled Itare Dam, and support for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Pipeline, Nakuru.
Kihika added that the president also promised infrastructure support for the Naivasha Economic Zone, a move she said would attract investment and create jobs.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
