Member of Parliament (MP) for Matuga Constituency Kassim Tandaza has accused members of the public of misusing politicians when it comes to the issue of fundraising.

Speaking during a live interview at K24 TV on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Tandaza said that the banning of Harambees for public servants and state officers came in at a good time, adding the fundraising is no longer serving its purpose.

“The banning of Harambees for public servants and state officers came in timely because the public has been misusing politicians when it comes to the issue of fundraising.

“Harambee has reached a point where it is actually being misused; it is no longer serving its purpose,” Tandaza said.

The ANC lawmaker went on to say that some groups take advantage of the fundraising events to invite politicians, especially those on the opposing side, so that they can compete on who donates the highest amount.

“There are some genuine concerns like medical and fees, but for us who are in the rural constituencies it is worse; you will realize that every weekend there is Harambee from women groups, the youths, and then they call all the politicians, especially those on the opposing side, and give them a card as a chief guest so that you can compete by giving them money,” he added.

Hon. Kassim Tandaza: The banning of harambees for public servants and state officers came in at a good time. The public has been misusing politicians when it comes to the issue of fundraising. Harambee is no longer serving its purpose.#NewDawn pic.twitter.com/13I2ITVnfp

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) November 19, 2024

Public fundraising appeal Bill

According to the Senate Bill on Public Fundraising, the introduction of the bill promotes transparency and accountability in the conduct of fundraising appeals and the articulation of the conduct by state and public officers in the participation in public fundraising appeals and the administration of this legislation.

The bill is also based on the need to reduce the culture of dependency that harambees have imbued in society, extending even essentially private affairs to the larger public. The bill seeks to restrict its application to private fundraising appeals except where such appeals fall within public appeals for public purposes.

Church on fundraising

Archbishop Rev Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, in a statement dated November 18, 2024, said that the church maintains its stand on donations from politicians, stating that such money violates the law.

“Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, under Section 10(2), it is deemed that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal, regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect.

“The bishops have consistently maintained a firm stance on the matter of politicians donating money to churches, highlighting the ethical concerns and the need to safeguard the church from being used for political purposes,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anyolo said that they strongly discourage the use of church events for fundraising and platforms for political self-promotion, adding that any contribution that violates the law would be refunded.

“The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion.

“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment,” he directed.