Mbadi defends Junet’s Ksh10 million fundraiser donation
By Martin Oduor, July 1, 2026Kenya’s National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, has strongly defended Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed following intense public scrutiny over a hefty Ksh10 million contribution made during a local fundraising event.
Appearing during a TV interview on Wednesday night, July 1, 2026, Mbadi dismissed mounting public concern regarding the source of the funds, framing the donation as a routine act of philanthropy backed by private enterprise.
The political storm erupted following a high-profile community empowerment and development fundraiser held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in the Suna East constituency of Migori County.
The Ksh10 million donations at the event came from Junet and friends, while Mbadi attended as the chief guest for the harambee in Migori County.
The event, which drew local leaders and hundreds of residents, was aimed at raising resources for community-driven initiatives.
However, the atmosphere quickly shifted from local development to national debate when Junet presented the staggering Ksh10 million sum in cash and pledges.
In a political landscape increasingly sensitive to large visual displays of wealth by public officials, critics and civil rights groups quickly questioned whether such an immense donation aligned with a lawmaker’s standard government salary, with some raising concerns over potential corruption or the use of public resources.
Addressing the backlash directly on television, Mbadi clarified that the Ksh10 million sum was not an individual contribution from the lawmaker’s pocket, but rather a consolidated pool from various partners.
“Junet clarified that the KSh10 million donation was from him and friends,” the Treasury chief stated, adding that the lawmaker’s personal financial reach extends far beyond his government payroll.
Brushing off allegations that the money could be tied to state-sanctioned corruption or unexplained wealth, Mbadi emphasised Junet’s extensive history in the private sector prior to and during his tenure in parliament.
“There are so many people who are in politics and do business. Junet is known for doing business; he is in the oil and transport business. It is not about the salary; it is about your income,” Mbadi said.
The Treasury Secretary concluded by noting that separating a politician’s formal salary from their legitimate commercial investments is vital when analysing public contributions to community development.
“Junet is not relying on his salary for his economic upkeep, well-being, and support to any community, or communal interest,” Mbadi stated, signalling the state’s position that the Suna East legislator remains a businessman with deep pockets well capable of anchoring such harambees.