President Uhuru Dinner Raises More than Sh500 Million in Two Hours

Sources have revealed that close to Sh1 billion was raised in less than two hours in an exclusive dinner at a Nairobi hotel attended by President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.

The invite-only fundraiser, which was aimed at raising funds for Kenyatta’s re-election campaign pot, saw business titans and top government officials converge at the Safari Park Hotel and Casino in Nairobi.

President Kenyatta, who arrived at the venue at 9.30pm, asked donors not to channel their money to the opposition, saying that doing so would mean they had no confidence in his administration.

“You must believe in something and support it. I know some of you say they don’t want to be associated with politics and want to pass their support under the table. They are acting as if they do not believe in something because, if they did, they would openly come out in support of the Jubilee government achievements for Kenya,” the President said as quoted by the Nation.

He said: “Tunajua vile wengine wanafanya, unaweka kidogo hapa na kidogo pale (We know what some are doing, you put a little here and a little there)”.

“I told them not to come to State House, I have no business transactions in State House. Nimewaambia mpotee and mpotee kabisa! (I told them get lost),” he said, to the applause of those in attendance.

The remarks by the head of state were in reference to the behavior of tycoons offering campaign funds and demanding appointments and government contracts in return.

Those contributing for the president’s campaign kitty had been categorized into five groups.

The platinum team, who contributed Sh10 million and above and were allowed to sit close to the head of state. The next ring was the gold category and consisted of those offering at least Sh5 million to bolster President Uhuru’s reelection bid.

Then came the silver group, and this one comprised those who parted with Sh2.5 million, while the bronze category offered Sh1 million. The garnet was the last category and contributed Sh500, 000.

The dinner was organized by Friends of Jubilee, a group that comprises some of the top billionaires and businessmen in the country.