Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has dismissed former Chief Justice David Maraga’s remarks that he does not have money for campaigns.

This came after Maraga refused to give transport money to a group of people who had come to listen to his address, telling them that he does not have money to give and is, in fact, also seeking to fundraise for his campaigns.

Speaking during a morning show on a local radio station on Tuesday, September 14, 2025, Wambugu said that, according to him, smart politicians do not use their own money to fund campaigns but rely on friends and individuals who see value in them.

He went on to say that by Maraga telling his supporters that he does not have money to fund his campaigns, it shows he lacks people who believe in him and are willing to bankroll his bid. He added that for people to contribute to a candidate’s campaign, one must demonstrate value and public appeal.

“There’s no smart politician who uses their own money to run for office. What did you use? You get friends. So the first thing you must do is that you must convince other people that you are actually worthy of being supported to run for office.” Wambugu stated.

Wambugu further stated that political campaigns are not all about money but about people, noting that when a politician has public support, people will always be willing to contribute and finance the campaign.

“Most people think that campaigns are all about money. We keep thinking about the money side, but the money comes after people have come. So the first thing is, you must have some people. And the money will follow.”

He explained that if people believe in your bid, they will be ready to offer financial support. This, he said, begins within one’s inner circle before extending to the public. If your circle supports you, whenever you attend events such as fundraisers, they will dig into their pockets to contribute, however little it might be. That, he noted, is how an aspirant gains traction.

Advice to maraga

Wambugu concluded by telling Maraga that it is not the candidate’s responsibility to use personal funds to campaign, adding that if Maraga claims he has no money, it simply means he has no one who believes in him.

“When I hear Maraga saying, ‘I don’t have money,’ I’m like, ‘Boss, it’s not you who is supposed to have money. When you tell me we don’t have money, it means that there is nobody who believes in you,” Wambugu stated.