Politicians associated with the broad-based government who come from the Luo Nyanza region have recently been splashing millions of shillings during fundraising events and ‘empowerment programmes’, as they campaign for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

Politicians who previously could only contribute modest amounts at such events are now giving out donations running into millions of shillings.

Every weekend, helicopters ferrying well-connected politicians have become a familiar sight across the region, with leaders landing to address residents and attend several fundraising events in a day.

The sight of bags stuffed with tightly bundled currency notes is no longer unusual, as cheering crowds welcome the millions of shillings donated by the politicians popularly referred to as the “TuTam” brigade.

Member of Parliament for Suna East Junet Mohamed speaks during ODM party's Youth Convention at Jamhuri showgrounds in Nairobi on April 20, 2026.

Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group

Luo Nyanza has become a critical battleground for President Ruto’s re-election bid, particularly as parts of the Mount Kenya region appear to be drifting away towards the opposition.

On June 27, Suba East MP and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed stunned residents when he contributed Sh10 million at a harambee that raised more than Sh35 million.

The event, held at Kasembe Primary School grounds in Suna East Constituency, Migori County, was attended by several political leaders, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who contributed Sh1.5 million.

Other notable contributors included Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, who each contributed Sh1 million.

President Ruto contributed Sh10 million, while ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga gave Sh2 million.

The size of Mr Mohamed’s contribution triggered an online backlash, forcing Mr Mbadi to come to his defence.

Read: I’m ready to serve as DP: Oburu enters race to be Ruto’s running mate

“Junet clarified that the Sh10 million donation was from him and friends and there are so many people who are in politics and do business. Junet is known for doing business; he is in the oil and transport business. It is not about the salary; it is about your income,” Mr Mbadi stated.

He added that the lawmaker’s personal financial reach extends far beyond his government payroll.

“Junet is not relying on his salary for his economic upkeep, well-being, and support to any community, or communal interest,” added Mr Mbadi

On June 28, Dr Oginga was the chief guest at a fundraising drive organised by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Siaya County.

He donated Sh1 million and also presented Sh3 million from President Ruto. The fundraiser was attended by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Ugenya MP David Ochieng’, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo and several other political leaders from the Nyanza region, who also made sizable contributions.

It was during the event that goons stole a bag containing Sh200,000 from Dr Oginga. The ODM leader condemned the growing cases of goonism, saying he had been a victim twice. He cited another incident in Nyando, where goons allegedly harassed him and his bodyguards while demanding money.

ODM party national chairperson Gladys Wanga speaks at Kanyadhiang Primary School in Karachuonyo Constituency on August 1, 2026.

Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group

The Nyando Women Empowerment Programme was held on July 4 2026, with President Ruto sending a Sh10 million contribution while Dr Oginga donated Sh2 million.

A host of Cabinet Secretaries and MPs also contributed at least Sh500,000 each at the event, which was marred by incidents of goonism. After the event, youths and women reportedly lined up and demanded that the millions raised be distributed to them.

The ensuing chaos reportedly led to the death of one person, while several others were injured in a stampede.

On July 12, ODM leaders also led a fundraising drive for widows in Gem, where Sh21 million was raised. Dr Oginga contributed Sh2 million, while Interior PS Raymond Omollo gave Sh1 million.

Apart from Dr Oginga, ODM politicians, particularly Mr Mohamed, Mr Atandi, Governor Wanga and a section of MPs, have been holding a series of empowerment programmes targeting various groups across Migori, Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay counties.

Dr Oginga has defended the empowerment programmes, arguing that ODM politicians now have greater access to government resources after joining the broad-based government than they did when the party was in opposition.

Read: How ODM settled on Wycliffe Oparanya as Ruto’s preferred 2027 running mate

“I don’t go to the State House every day and I also don’t get money there. Every contribution I have made comes from my personal money and I always hand over the contribution from the president publicly when it is sent to me. I can’t speak for others but individually, I have never been given money by the State House to contribute,” he said.

“Sometimes there are contributions from friends and those in businesses,” he added.

The scale of the contributions has, however, raised eyebrows among some residents, who argue that the millions being distributed through empowerment programmes would be better spent on long-term development projects.

“We want roads and infrastructural projects not just millions contributed then allocated to women’s and youth groups. The monies contributed have caused divisions while in some events we have seen people die and others injured as they scramble for money from politicians,” said Joseph Ouma from Ahero, Nyando, who witnessed chaotic scenes at an empowerment event held last month.

Beyond the cash handouts, the Kenya Kwanza administration has been rolling out major infrastructure projects in Luo Nyanza, which its political allies are increasingly using to build support for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign.

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