A number of leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto pleaded with President Uhuru to assist Sirisia MPJohn Waluke who was fined over Ksh700 Million for graft.
The leaders from Western Kenya were led by former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale where they held a prayer meeting at the embattled politician's home who was jailed for 67 years and ordered to pay a fine of Ksh 727 million. This, after he was found guilty of stealing taxpayers Ksh 300 million through a maize scandal.
The MPs Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Fred Kapondi (Mount Elgon), Mwambu Mabonga (Bumula), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Charles Gemose (Hamisi) and Malulu Injendi (Malava) pleaded with the president to help secure Waluke's freedom.
Their call came a month after another section of politicians led by Lwandanyi ward MCA Tony Barasa made a similar plea to the president over Waluke's predicament.
They explained that the MP had helped Uhuru secure votes in the county and popularise the Jubilee party against the wave of Ford Kenya and ODM in the region.
“We know the role Waluke played in the 2017 general elections campaigns, as the county Jubilee chairman, he helped the party a lot by popularising it despite the resistance, please pardon him,” the ward leader stated.
The MPs raised an unspecified amount of money during the meeting with a close associate of the family revealing that contributions given would be used for an appeal by the MP's lawyers.
“We have had some contributions trickling in but I cannot disclose who has given what; this is a private matter. Besides, I would not like to comment on a matter before the court,” he stated.
Waluke's wife, Roseline Waluke had earlier revealed that she had been the target of numerous insults since she set up a pay bill number to help her husband raise funds for bail. The politician's family disclosed that they had managed to raise over Ksh 250 million from well wishers.
Waluke was jailed alongside Grace Wakhungu, former Vice President Moody Awori's sister, who had reportedly raised Ksh 800 million within one month.
The two were sentenced to 67 years with a Ksh 707 million fine and 69 years with a Ksh 727 million fine respectively, after being found guilty of corruption.
Haji affirmed that the funds raised would be scrutinised if the court accepts them adding that he would object any appeals to lessen the sentencing of the duo after they appealed the case.
