Lucy Jeffrey: Canada-Based Politician Faults Ruto's KSh 600m Pledge, KSh 42m Gift to Harambee Stars
- A Kenyan parliamentary hopeful in the diaspora has criticised President Ruto's hefty reward to the national football team
- Lucy Jeffrey praised Harambee Stars’ performance, but raised concerns about the amount dished out and where the funds came from
- She called for a deeper national conversation on leadership priorities and the struggles facing ordinary Kenyans
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A Canadian-based Kenyan political hopeful has sparked public debate after questioning President William Ruto’s decision to reward millions to Harambee Stars.
Source: Facebook
This followed the national team's 1-0 win over DR Congo in their CHAN 2024 opening game.
Lucy Jeffrey, who has declared her interest in the Westlands parliamentary seat, commended the national team for their impressive performance but expressed concern over the size and timing of the KSh 42 million reward.
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The money was issued through the Ministry of Sports to 27 players and 15 technical staff.
According to State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the government has promised a similar amount if the team beats Angola in their next fixture scheduled for Thursday, July 7.
Why did Lucy Jeffrey criticise Harambee Stars millions?
While acknowledging the unifying power of sports and the importance of recognising excellence, Jeffrey said the pledge was out of touch with Kenya’s economic reality.
“It’s inspiring to see national leadership backing our teams, sports truly unite us. However, with all due respect, pledging KSh 600 million to one team is a huge amount. Giving each player KSh 1 million would still be generous and meaningful,” she posted on Facebook.
Jeffrey, who has been vocal on social issues, highlighted the harsh conditions faced by many Kenyans.
She cited widespread poverty, hunger, youth unemployment and the daily struggles of people with disabilities.
“I have personally seen children without food, people who need wheelchairs, and mothers choosing between medicine and food. If the president has this kind of money to give, I respectfully plead with him to also consider those who are hurting the most,” she added.
Where did Harambee Stars monetary gift come from?
Beyond the amount, she questioned the source of the funds and the legal process followed, saying clarity was needed on whether the money was a private donation or drawn from public coffers.
Source: Facebook
“If this was his personal money, it should come from his own bank account, not the Ministry of Sports. And if it was public money, then it should have been approved by Parliament and budgeted by the Ministry of Finance. That is the law,” she argued.
Jeffrey also compared the situation to what she called the stricter financial accountability systems in Canada, where such unilateral awards would raise serious governance questions.
“This would never happen in Canada. My fellow diaspora colleagues, can this happen where you live? I’m shocked beyond disbelief. No wonder people keep saying 'sijui ground.' If this is ground, then yes, I admit, I don’t know ground, and I say it with a heavy heart,” she added.
She called for a sober, non-partisan national dialogue on how leaders set their priorities, urging for celebration of athletes and also uplifting the most vulnerable.
Will Harambee Stars players be awarded affordable houses?
In a related development, Ruto responded positively to a request from Harambee Stars players following their win over DR Congo.
After the match, Ruto visited the players in their dressing room, where one of them asked if they could be included in the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
The player’s bold appeal sparked excitement in the room, and the president pledged to consider the request, assuring them that plans could be made under the ongoing initiative.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
