A section of Murang’a County Assembly Members (MCAs) claim they were offered money to attend a State House meeting with President William Ruto.
The MCAs say they turned down the invitation after being promised Ksh300,000 each. They instead met former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has openly clashed with Ruto in recent months.
Claims of a Cash Offer
Kariara Ward MCA Gichofe Mbatia spoke on behalf of the group. He alleged that every MCA from Murang’a received a call with the same promise.
“We were told that if we honoured the State House invitation, we would get Ksh300,000. But we refused because we know this money is coming from graft,” he said.
Mbatia added that such funds should be used for schools, healthcare, and other services, not as political handouts.
Gachagua’s Attack on Ruto
The MCAs met Gachagua instead of travelling to State House. They described him as their leader and the person they believe should be Kenya’s next president in 2027.
Gachagua accused Ruto of turning State House into a “money laundering zone.” He also claimed the President gives out Ksh60 million during meetings with leaders from other regions.
However, Gachagua did not provide evidence to back his claims.
Ruto’s Development Pitch
Despite the boycott, Ruto still hosted another delegation of grassroots leaders from Murang’a.
In a statement, the President outlined several development projects for the county:
- Ksh23 billion for 10,300 affordable housing units.
- Ksh3.5 billion for upgrading key roads.
- Ksh2.3 billion to build 23 modern markets.
- Ksh3 billion for new student hostels.
Political Rift in Murang’a
The incident highlights the widening rift between Ruto and his former deputy. Murang’a, a key Mt Kenya county, is quickly becoming a battleground as the 2027 elections draw closer.
