- A Kenyan from Dagorreti, Nairobi, placed his hopes for Christmas goodies on the city county's woman representative, Esther Passaris
- Passaris would turn his request down, saying the National Treasury was still holding the funds for the NGAAF kitty
- Some Kenyans have been lucky to be treated to Christmas freebies from politicians, including former president Uhuru Kenyatta and his successor William Ruto
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Nairobi woman representative Esther Passaries suggests she is broke in response to a Kenyan's request for a Christmas gift.
The Kenyan, identified as James Okeyo, implied he was cash-strapped and hoped the lawmaker could chip in with some help.
Why Esther Passaris Couldn't buy Christmas gifts in 2023
He even left his contact information in case Passaris responded in the affirmative.
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"Madam I'm requesting a Christmas gift from you from here Ngando Ward, Dagoretti," he pleaded.
The parliamentarian would, however, turn down Okeyo's request, saying the government had not disbursed the monies for the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
Blaming the Exchequer, Passaris decried the delays, which she said had injured various projects, including the issuance of Christmas gifts and other essentials.
She listed prioritising other commitments like paying off debts and sealing corruption loopholes.
"No Christmas Caravan this year as Treasury has yet to release quarter one and two funds. I am sorry. To move things forward we need to pay our taxes; tighten our belts; pay our debts and firmly address corruption. I am prayerful and hopeful it shall be well," she said.
Meanwhile, some Kenyans have been lucky to receive Christmas freebies from politicians.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta blessed a section of Ruiru residents with early Christmas on Friday, December 22.
The locals had gathered at the JCM Church headquarters headed by Pastor Benson Kiengei.
How much money did Uhuru donate for Christmas?
Uhuru revealed he had been invited to come on board to bolster an initiative started by the church to support poor households in the Christmas festivities.
Taking cognisance of the prevalent state of the economy, he sympathised with the families which he noted were facing it rough.
He thus offered them KSh 1 million for Christmas goodies.
"Your pastor called me to tell me that he is having a party for those who are not able to provide for themselves in these difficult times. I told him I could not abandon our people and that whatever he doing, I would top him up. I have told him I will extend KSh 1 million so that he can buy unga for more people," he said.
He further promised to unite with them in the church soon.
"I wish you happy holidays to you all and your families and may God solve the problems we are going through," he said.
All the while, the excited congregants affirmatively responded to Uhuru's talk with lots of cheers.
This as President William Ruto hosted hundreds of Sugoi locals at his native residence the same day.
What did Ruto offer Kenyans at Sugoi?
Kenyans drawn from Uasin Gishu and the neighbouring Kakamega and Nandi counties jammed roads as goodies were offloaded from several lorries.
The president actively participated in the exercise as he handed the residents packets of wheat flour, cooking oil and rice in a yellow bag.
Ruto was accompanied by Mama Rachel Ruto, who kick-started the event with a powerful prayer.
Other leaders present at the event included Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja and Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii, among others.
Some of the residents explained that the head of state has been consistent in the exercise, but this year has attracted a huge following.
What are Ruto's plans to increase food production?
In his address, the head of state said his government would continue to reform the agricultural sector to increase food production.
Ruto claimed his latest reforms had resulted in a 40% increase in food production this year compared to 2022.
The president thanked farmers for taking advantage of the subsidised fertiliser, adding that the fruits of the programme would benefit the country's food security.
"I want to thank farmers for taking advantage of reforms, including the reduction of fertiliser prices from KSh 7,000 to KSh 2,500. We will continue to reform the sector to further improve production," he said.
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