Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has announced the immediate suspension of all his scheduled harambees and public fundraising activities in response to President William Ruto’s directive to state officers.

The President banned state officers from taking part in fundraising and charitable activities during his State of the Nation address on Friday, July 5.

Governor Ntutu pledged to engage with institutions that had sought his support to find amicable solutions that serve the best interests of the people of Narok County.

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

The ban on harambees, a common practice in Kenyan politics, comes in the wake of a public outcry over the source of funds displayed by many politicians during such events.

President Ruto’s directive aims to bring transparency and accountability to the fundraising process, with the Attorney General tasked to prepare legislation that will regulate structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes.

Furthermore he also announced austerity measures to cut heavy government costs, including dissolving at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions.

The President suspended the hiring of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS), reduced advisers in government by at least 50 percent, and removed budgets from the Offices of the First Lady, the Second and the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. He also reduced the budget for government renovations by 50 percent.