UDA Blogger Sandra Kimani Exposes Alleged Fraud in Government PR Deal, Claims Rita Oyier Swindled Their Money

UDA blogger Sandra Kimani has come forward with shocking allegations of being shortchanged in a government-backed public relations deal, accusing PR practitioner Rita Oyier of defrauding her and other bloggers.

Kimani claims they were recruited by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria to defend the government on TV and radio, only to discover that they were paid far less than the agreed amount.

According to Kimani, the bloggers were initially promised a monthly payment of Sh100,000 for their services, which included defending the government and criticizing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. However, they later learned that the actual payment was supposed to be Sh250,000, with Oyier allegedly pocketing the difference. In the end, Kimani says they received a meager Sh50,000, leaving them feeling exploited and betrayed.

The Broken Promises

Kimani revealed that the bloggers were briefed by Moses Kuria on what they believed was a government assignment. They were tasked with defending the government’s initiatives, including the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA), and tarnishing the reputation of Rigathi Gachagua. Despite assurances that their expenses would be covered, the bloggers claim they had to pay for their own airtime on TV and radio stations out of pocket.

“We were promised Sh100,000 monthly, with an additional top-up of Sh100,000 every time a ministry called on us for further work,” Kimani said. “But when the payments came, we were shocked to receive only Sh50,000. It was a slap in the face after all the effort we put in.”

Shocking Revelations at Governor Wanga’s Event

The bloggers’ frustration reached a boiling point during Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s thanksgiving party, where they confronted SHA bosses about the discrepancies in their payments. According to Kimani, they were told that they should have received between Sh150,000 and Sh170,000 for their work defending the new health authority. This revelation left them stunned, as they had been paid significantly less despite their extensive efforts.

“We felt used and discarded,” Kimani said. “We were told we should have received more, but Rita Oyier had taken the lion’s share. It’s clear we were scammed.”

Calls for Accountability

Kimani’s allegations have sparked outrage among her fellow bloggers and raised questions about the transparency of government-backed PR campaigns. Many are now calling for an investigation into the matter, demanding accountability from both Rita Oyier and Moses Kuria.

“This is not just about money; it’s about trust,” Kimani said. “We were recruited to serve the government, but instead, we were exploited. Someone needs to answer for this.”

Rita Oyier and Moses Kuria Yet to Respond

As of now, neither Rita Oyier nor Moses Kuria has publicly responded to the allegations. However, the scandal has already begun to tarnish the reputation of the government’s PR efforts, with critics accusing officials of exploiting young professionals for political gain.

Rita Oyier.

A Cautionary Tale

Kimani’s story serves as a cautionary tale for bloggers and content creators who are often lured into political PR campaigns with promises of lucrative payments. Her experience highlights the need for clear contracts, transparency, and accountability in such arrangements.

“We learned the hard way that not all that glitters is gold,” Kimani said. “I hope our story will serve as a warning to others who might be tempted by similar offers.”

As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on the government and the individuals implicated in the scandal. Will there be accountability, or will this be yet another case of exploitation swept under the rug? Only time will tell.

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