President Ruto’s directive forces UDA governor to suspend his planned Harambee

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has announced that he is shelving his plans for a fundraising event on Saturday.

The county chief said he would follow President William Ruto’s directive to prohibit public officials from conducting fundraising.

The district chief said that despite his move, the recipients of his charity would continue to receive assistance in a manner he deemed appropriate.

“The President has directed all civil servants and officials to cease their fundraising activities and harambees in view of the current national situation. As the Governor-elect of Narok County, I hereby announce the immediate suspension of all Harambees and public fundraising events scheduled in my calendar.

In the meantime, I will work with all institutions and organizations that have sought my support to find an amicable solution that serves the interests of the people of Narok County,” he said.

On Friday, July 5, the President banned all officials from participating in Harambee.

He instructed Attorney General Justin Muturi to prepare and submit a draft bill to ban it.

AG Muturi was also tasked with developing a mechanism for structured and transparent public input.

“No public servant or public employee shall henceforth be permitted to participate in public donations or harambees. The Attorney-General is hereby directed to prepare and introduce appropriate legislation and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent donations for public charitable and philanthropic purposes,” President Ruto said.

At the same time, the head of state has suspended non-essential travel by state and civil servants as part of a measure to reduce government spending.

In addition, President Ruto suspended the government’s purchase of new vehicles for 12 months, with the exception of those for security agencies.

The President noted that a new policy will be developed for the transportation of officials.

“The purchase of new motor vehicles by government will be suspended for 12 months, except for security agencies, while a new policy for the transport of public officials is developed,” President Ruto said.

The Head of State also announced that civil servants who reach the retirement age of 60 will be required to retire immediately without any extension of their service.

Furthermore, Ruto mentioned that the new spending cuts measures in the Kenyan Kwanza government would be followed by a change of position.

“These measures will be followed by government changes which I will make shortly,” President Ruto added.