A source from the office of President William Ruto has revealed how government funds are being used to ensure large crowds attend the president’s public events.
According to Tuesday’s report in the People Daily, the State often uses local administrators including county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs, and sub-chiefs to mobilise people in advance.
A screenshot from the source.
These officers are reportedly given funds specifically to ferry people from different areas and make sure there is a big turnout during the president’s tours.
In addition to local administrators, the government also facilitates other elected leaders such as governors, members of parliament, senators, and Members of County Assembly.
These politicians are allegedly provided with resources to help draw supporters and ordinary citizens to the venues of the president’s meetings or launches.
This information comes amid growing concerns about the credibility of the huge crowds that often accompany President Ruto during his regional visits.
President William Ruto addresses Kawangware residents in Dagoretti, Nairobi County, on March 12, 2025.
[File, Standard]
The turnout led to claims from residents and opposition leaders that people were paid to attend. According to some locals from Mt Kenya who spoke to the media, individuals were given up to Sh3,000 to accompany the president’s events, making it seem like he has overwhelming support in the region.
These revelations have sparked debate about whether the president’s popularity is genuine or simply manufactured using public funds.
Despite the widespread claims and testimonies from people in Mt Kenya, a senior official from State House came out to deny the reports.
The official insisted that there was no policy of crowd buying and that the people attending the events were doing so out of their own will and love for the president.
However, the statement did not explain the use of government officers and elected leaders in organising the crowd and offering transportation and allowances to attendees.
The use of public money to sponsor political tours raises serious questions about the misuse of state resources. It also creates an unfair playing field where the government can create a false image of popularity using taxpayer funds.
Many Kenyans have started questioning whether these political shows of strength are meant to influence public opinion or to hide growing dissatisfaction among citizens due to the high cost of living, unemployment, and rising taxes.
If the reports of paying people to attend political rallies are true, it would reflect a worrying trend where public funds meant for development are instead being used for public relations and political survival.
This could undermine trust in leadership and raise ethical concerns about the priorities of those in power.
