Hassan Joho and Junet Mohamed query source of Kenya Kwanza's helicopters

Kenya Kwanza deputy presidential candidate Rigathi Gachagua's revelation on the source of the coalition's helicopters used during campaigns has elicited an instant reaction from their rivals, Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Alliance.

Gachagua, during the presidential running mates debate on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, claimed that he and his presidential candidate as well as their campaign team rely heavily on donations to sustain their movements across the country.

"We often rely on donations from people, mostly choppers, vehicles, fuel and personnel. The campaign is bottom driven and a lot of hustlers have supported us throughout the campaigns," said Gachagua.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Rigathi Gachagua speaks during the deputy presidential debate held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, on July 19, 2022, ahead of August's general elections. (Photo by SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images) Pulse Live Kenya

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It was the specific mention of the word hustler in his statement that elicited a reaction from Secretary General of Azimio, Junet Mohamed and Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.

"Ruto has Hustlers who donate choppers. Ajabu ya Musa (the wonders of Moses)," stated Mohamed. Joho on his other hand tweeted; "What…? So all along Ruto has HUSTLERS donating CHOPPERS!!!!!! Naisha (can't believe it)."

During the debate, Azimio La Umoja deputy presidential candidate, Martha Karua, was also queried on the same issue to which she stated that her campaign team also relied heavily on donations.

"We rely on public donations in cash and kind. We recently held a fundraiser. I personally use a chopper donated by a kind, corporate friend and we have many of such donations," said the former Justice minister.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Rigathi Gachagua (L) and running mate of Azimio la Umoja (aspiration to unite) political alliance Martha Karua attend the deputy presidential debate held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, on July 19, 2022, ahead of August's general elections. (Photo by SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images) Pulse Live Kenya

It is worth noting that in August 2021, the current Parliament rejected a proposal to introduce a spending cap on presidential campaigns. The proposal sought to have a limit of Sh4.4 billion. As a result, the spending remains limitless.

In May this year, a report by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) also revealed that 41 new helicopters were purchased and registered by politicians to be used specifically for campaigns.

READ: 41 new helicopters bought by politicians ahead of August polls