Siaya Governor James Orengo has criticised the growing trend of politicians making lavish cash donations at public events, saying the source of such money must be subjected to public scrutiny.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Stephen Cathedral in Kisumu, Orengo said the country was witnessing an era of ostentation and excessive displays of wealth, where millions of shillings are distributed during empowerment programmes and project launches.
He argued that the money being handed out does not belong to individual politicians but to Kenyans, warning that leaders must be held accountable for the source of their wealth.
"We know what a Cabinet Secretary earns. We know what a Principal Secretary earns. We know what a governor earns. The Constitution is very clear on the declaration of wealth and the source of one's income," he said.
Orengo questioned how some leaders are able to donate hundreds of millions of shillings over a short period, saying such amounts cannot reasonably be explained through legitimate public salaries.
He said even private businesspeople making similar contributions would be required by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to explain the source of the funds.
"I have represented many people in KRA cases, and I know how these matters are handled. There is no way anyone can convince Kenyans that a single individual can dish out more than Sh100 million in one weekend," he said.
The governor revealed that the late ODM Leader Raila Odinga had previously raised the issue with President William Ruto, urging that the culture of extravagant public donations be brought under control.
According to Orengo, if leaders genuinely wish to empower citizens, they should invest in sustainable development projects and support transparent community initiatives rather than distributing cash at political gatherings.
"When there is a genuine harambee, contribute transparently and within the law. But those dishing out millions in public gatherings should know that one day they will be required to explain where that money came from," he said.
He warned that anti-corruption agencies routinely investigate unexplained wealth and that the same standards should apply to all public officials.
Orengo urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and question the source of money distributed during public functions, saying accountability is essential in protecting public resources.
He said he would continue engaging citizens and speaking candidly on issues affecting the country.
"I do not tell people only what they want to hear. I tell them what they need to hear," he said.
He added that he would continue working with other leaders to ensure the region remains actively involved in national affairs, stressing that the focus should be on advancing the interests of citizens rather than political parties.
The remarks come amid increasing public debate over large cash donations made by politicians during empowerment programmes and fundraising events across the country.
