Duale Leads Kenyans in Condemning Politicians Branding Donations [PHOTOS]

A photo of National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale addressing reporters in Nairobi on May 22, 2019.
National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale addressing reporters in Nairobi on May 22, 2019.

National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale has called out politicians using the Covid-19 pandemic to advance their political reputation.

His sentiments followed revelations that a number of leaders were affixing their images or titles on donations intended to cushion Kenyans against the effects of the pandemic.

A report by the Sunday Nation on Sunday, April 12, provided Duale's sentiments urging legislators not to take advantage of the pandemic for political mileage.

A photo of Kenya Red Cross paramedics and volunteers at the Nakuru County Level 5 Hospital during a training exercise on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) in light of the Covid-19 pandemic on Saturday, March 15, 2020.
Kenya Red Cross paramedics and volunteers at the Nakuru County Level 5 Hospital during a training exercise on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) in light of the Covid-19 pandemic on Saturday, March 15, 2020.
File

"Let us avoid using this serious situation for political gain. The best way to show leadership is by following the directives issued by the Ministry of Health," stated Duale.

The Garissa Township legislator noted that the money spent on the donations was often drawn from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and needed to only be utilised following consultations with the relevant committees.

"This is taxpayers' money and must be spent after consulting the constituency committees," asserted Duale.

Condemnation on leaders branding Covid-19 donations has been echoed by many Kenyans who view as selfish.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga branding donated sanitizers with his photo on April 9, 2020.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga branding donated sanitizers with his photo on April 9, 2020.
The Standard

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga came under fire On Thursday, April 9, for affixing his image to sanitiser bottles before handing them out to citizens.

"Let us be ethical about this, imagine you do a donation to me of some products, then I repackage it and put my photo on it, what would you say? I think this is not an ethical act on your part sir," wrote Paul Otieno.

Kahiga responded to condemnation from area residents on the matter by accusing them of pettiness.

"Social media users aka Kenyans on Twitter, stop your pettiness. What is important is that over 40,000 Nyeri residents will now get sanitizers labelled NOT FOR SALE courtesy of Kibos Sugar Company," Kahiga defended himself.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris addresses a press briefing as she dispatched sanitary pads in Nairobi on April 1, 2020
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris displays branded sanitary pads meant for donation at a press briefing in Nairobi on April 1, 2020
Twitter

Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris was not spared the backlash of frustrated Kenyans after she branded sanitary pads with her photo.

"It was donated through your office, not by you...Why your picture? Your position is temporary but the donation should not be associated with you but your office...next time think long term," advised Sital Chandaria against the action.

Passaris, however, defended the action stating that the vulnerable girls would be happy to have a picture of their leader and mentor on the items.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino water tanks donation on April 11, 2020
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino water tanks donation on April 11, 2020
KNA

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also joined the fray, branding water tanks with his name during a donation drive on Saturday, April 11.

The tanks are to be utilised by vulnerable groups in ensuring that they have access to water during the pandemic. 

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