The private sector must stop funding rogue politicians as the country gears towards the August polls.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i told the sector to resist blackmail and extortion disguised as protection money. 

He said intelligence agencies are aware that politicians are extorting donations from prominent businesses in exchange for alleged protection in the next government. He said the money is being used to subvert the electoral process through voter bribery and the hiring of rowdy crowds.

“Some of these crooks get money from you. We have a list of all corporations that have been visiting leafy homes at night. Some of them are tax evaders who are buying protection from politicians,” the CS added.

Play more active role

He challenged the private sector to play a more active role in urging its members to vote out corrupt leaders.

“Stop funding them. They are not the ones who are going to decide whether you’re going to do business in the country. You are Kenyans, and it is your right to do business here… Let’s not launder these characters into Parliament. ” he asked.

He was speaking during the third roundtable engagement between the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee.

The meeting was a follow up on intervention measures targeting economic growth and continuity. It was attended by six Cabinet Secretaries, 18 principal secretaries and Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai.