Introduce kitty for senators to fuel their cars – Tabitha Karanja urges Ruto
Nakuru Senator-elect Tabitha Karanja has triggered a storm online following her remarks that senators need more money from the government to fuel their cars.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Lamudiarc High School Grounds in Nakuru on Sunday, Karanja urged President-elect William Ruto to introduce a kitty for senators to fuel their vehicles, saying they don't have any funding besides their salaries.
The Keroche Breweries CEO, who joined politics recently, argued that the legislators have to move around counties to do their job.
"Nimeingia hii job ya senate na nimekuta hakuna fund ata mtu anapewa. Na lazima nitembee huko Kuresoi South na Kuresoi North nihakikishe nimeadvise governor maneno ya value addition kwa sababu mimi nimetoka industry ya value addition. Kwa hivyo naomba our fifth president tafadhali angalia hiyo kitty ya senate tunataka ka kitu kidogo ya kueka mafuta ili tuweze kutembea hii county ili tukitoka tuhakikishe tumeacha mark," Karanja stated.
Loosely translated, "After being elected senator I have just realized that senators don't have a fund where they can get an extra coin. You know I have to go to Kuresoi South and Kuresoi North to ensure the governor is well-advised on matters of value addition because. I am urging our fifth president to consider senators and ensure they have a kitty to help them fuel their vehicles to enable them to do their work effectively."
Tabitha Karanja under fire
The remarks, however, elicited mixed reactions on social media with a section of Kenyans calling out the senator over an attempt to overburden taxpayers.
Speaking at the same function, Ruto expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will uphold his election on Monday.
A seven-judge bench is expected to deliver its judgement on the case filed by Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga challenging Ruto's victory.
The Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader said he will respect the verdict of the court.
"Tomorrow ( September 5, 2022), the Supreme Court will issue a ruling. We will respect the decision of the Supreme Court because we are law-abiding citizens," Ruto stated.
He also exuded confidence that there would be a peaceful transition between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta if his win is upheld by the apex court.
If his win stands, the president-elect pledged to ensure that the outgoing president is well taken care of during his retirement.
Ruto was flanked by Deputy president-elect Rigathi Gachagua, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi and other leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
