It Was Not In Our Budget, Salasya Questions Source Of Farmers’ Bonus Funds During Ruto’s Visit

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya on Monday during President William Ruto’s visit to Mumias questioned the financial transparency behind the bonuses being distributed to sugarcane farmers.

The President was in Mumias to commission the first-ever bonus payments to sugarcane farmers, but the event took an unexpected turn when Salasya publicly scrutinized the funding source of these bonuses. Addressing the President directly, Salasya asked, “Where is the money we are giving these farmers coming from? We need to know because it was not in our budget.”

President William Ruto has given Ksh150 million bonus for sugar farmers who have supplied cane to Kakamega’s Mumias Sugar Factory, the first such payment in the sector.

Salasya’s critique extended beyond the financial aspect; he also suggested that President Ruto reconsider his advisory team, claiming they might not be providing honest counsel. “I want to ask you, Mr. President, to hire me as your advisor because your people are not being honest with you,” he stated, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of transparency and effective governance.

He further accused unnamed government officials of being part of cartels that mislead the President about the functionality of key initiatives like the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the new university funding model. “They’re telling you SHA is working when it is not. The new university funding model is not working,” Salasya alleged, urging Ruto to address these issues.

President Ruto responded with a conciliatory tone, acknowledging Salasya’s zeal in defending his constituents but pointed out the need for a more measured approach. “Salasya is a good young man who needs a few corrections,” Ruto remarked, promising to work alongside Salasya despite his critical stance.

The event saw the presence of notable figures like Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Governor Fernandes Barasa, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

This incident follows similar sentiments expressed by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who at a recent event criticized the growing sycophancy within political ranks, advocating for opposition leaders to maintain their critical voice against government actions when necessary.