President William Ruto has cautioned mama mbogas and other ordinary Kenyans against politicians who ask them for campaign contributions while allegedly living lavish lifestyles in Nairobi.
Addressing residents, Ruto urged Kenyans to be cautious of leaders who portray themselves as struggling when seeking financial support at the grassroots. He claimed some politicians present themselves as poor when interacting with citizens locally, yet allegedly enjoy expensive lifestyles once back in the capital.
"When they come down here, they pretend to be poor, yet when they are back in Nairobi, they take expensive drinks," Ruto said.
His remarks centred on political fundraising and the relationship between leaders and ordinary citizens, particularly small-scale traders who work daily to support their families. He urged Kenyans to question requests for campaign contributions and weigh whether politicians genuinely need financial help before giving away their earnings.
The comments come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with politicians increasingly touring the country seeking grassroots support. Mama mbogas have featured prominently in Ruto's political messaging, with the President often presenting small traders as a key group under his administration's bottom-up economic approach. The government has also highlighted initiatives aimed at small businesses, including modern markets and other programmes meant to improve trading conditions for informal-sector workers. Ruto has previously said mama mbogas and boda boda riders should be prioritised in government programmes, including affordable housing opportunities.
Ruto did not identify the politicians he was referring to in his remarks about campaign contributions and expensive lifestyles.
His comments are likely to spark discussion, particularly among small traders who remain an important constituency in both Kenya's political campaigns and its broader economic conversations.
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