Deputy President William Ruto has announced that going forward he will not be making church donations and other fundraising activities across the country as per Election Acts guidelines.
Speaking in Emuhaya, Vihiga County on Sunday, February 6 at a church service, DP Ruto said he has halted the program until after the August 9, elections.
The second in command’s decision is inclined to the Election Act which bars politicians from contributing to fundraising activities after the gazettement of the election date.
“I have heard about your plan for the construction of your church. I know you guys when you see me you remember that I am a man who builds churches,” DP Ruto said.
“Today we will not be contributing to the church building because the election law does not allow it. But once the exercise is over, I commit myself that I will come back and ensure the completion of the church is done,” he added.
According to the Election Act 2011, all aspirants for all political offices are prohibited from taking part in a fundraising eight months before the election.
The same law under section 26, states that a anyone who contravenes these provisions may be disqualified from participating in the election.
Wednesday, December 9,2021 was the exact date from which politicians were bared form participating in fundraising activities according IEBC timelines.
“Those who will engage in harambees after the legal deadline shall have committed an election offence punishable under the law,” IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati said last year.
The UDA leader, has been at forefront in making contributions, to churches, schools and other organized groups in what he termed empowerment programs.
His generosity has attracted criticism from his opponents, who have accused the DP of stealing government resources and channeling them to churches as a form contribution.
