Ruto, Oburu cash in: ODM, UDA receive KSh 843.7m allocation from taxpayers
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties unveiled the Political Parties Fund allocation for the 2026/2027 financial year
- UDA and ODM collectively received over Sh843 million, accounting for more than 62% of the total disbursement
- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP was locked out entirely for failing to meet statutory eligibility criteria
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has published the Political Parties Fund allocations for the 2026/2027 financial year, with 48 qualifying parties set to share approximately KSh1.36 billion in public funds disbursed quarterly upon receipt from the National Treasury.
President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) emerged as the dominant beneficiary, receiving KSh549.97 million, more than double what any other party will collect.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secured the second-largest share at KSh 293.78 million, bringing the combined total for the two parties to over KSh843 million, or roughly 62% of the entire fund.
Top Beneficiaries and Notable Inclusions
Jubilee Party received KSh128.86 million, while Wiper Patriotic Front, under Kalonzo Musyoka, was allocated KSh68.82 million. DAP-K, UDM, FORD-Kenya, and KANU received KSh30.15 million, KSh25.62 million, KSh24.64 million, and KSh22.91 million respectively.
The Amani National Congress (ANC), led by Musalia Mudavadi, received Sh25.37 million following a High Court ruling that reinstated it as an independent, fully registered political party, effectively overturning its earlier merger and dissolution into UDA.
The Party of National Unity (PNU) rounded out the top 10 with Sh4.25 million.
Among smaller parties, allocations ranged from KSh13.13 million for the Devolution Empowerment Party down to KSh263,933 for the Justice and Freedom Party of Kenya. Other smaller recipients included the Communist Party of Kenya (KSh997,969), Safina Party (KSh2.99 million), and Chama Cha Kazi (KSh6.23 million).
Gachagua's DCP among parties left out
Two politically prominent formations were absent from the allocation list entirely.
The Democratic Congress Party (DCP), associated with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, did not qualify because it was formed after the 2022 General Election and has yet to contest a full general election cycle, which is a statutory requirement for accessing the public fund.
The Roots Party of Kenya similarly failed to meet the criteria for the current disbursement period.
Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu published the allocations, reaffirming the eligibility thresholds parties must satisfy, including minimum representation in Parliament and county assemblies, and compliance with annual reporting and audit obligations.
With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, the funds are intended to support party operations, institutional development, and election preparedness.
While established parties enjoy a significant financial advantage, newer formations without access to state funding face considerable constraints as they compete in an increasingly organised multiparty environment.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.