Senator refutes claims politicians on Ruto-Raila talks are paid

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has disputed allegations that the national dialogue team is set to receive a total of Ksh106 million for allowances.

Cheruiyot noted in a statement posted on his X account (formerly Twitter) that the taxpayers’ money was not being used to finance the talks.

“Please establish the facts of any matter before running a campaign on it. We have never been paid any allowance. There has never been a charge to taxpayers on behalf of NADCO,” Cheruiyot noted.

The Nandi County Senator released the statement in response to an article published by one of the local dailies on September 27.

Members of the bipartisan talks team from both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza. Nandi Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has dismissed claims of paying the team members. Photo : Senator Esther Okenyuri — Members of the bipartisan talks team from both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza. Nandi Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has dismissed claims of paying the team members. Photo: Senator Esther Okenyuri

According to the published article, part of the Ksh106 million would cater for food, venue, security, and allowances for members of the team.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, would get Ksh50,000 each for every sitting.

At the same time, the other 8 dialogue committee members are entitled to get Ksh40,000 each as a sitting allowance per day.

In addition, eight members of the technical team are entitled to getting Ksh25,000 each as a sitting allowance per day.

Still on the same talks, the Bomas of Kenya will be paid Ksh4.6 million since it is being used as a venue for the meetings.

An additional Ksh8 million will be used to cater for costs during the retreat of the committee members in Naivasha.

Other costs mentioned in the newspaper article include Ksh1.2 million for air tickets, Ksh2.4 million for advertising, and Ksh10 million for publishing the final document.