Nyali MP 'Moha Jicho Pevu' Fights Deputy President William Ruto's 'Spanner Boy' Tag

Nyali Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali alias 'Moha Jicho Pevu' has sought to defend himself against claims that he is Deputy President William Ruto’s ‘spanner boy.’

Last week, Ali was captured on tape carrying and presenting Sh5 million donation to a church on behalf of the Deputy President.

Photos of the first term MP presenting the cash during a church event went viral on social media sparking outrage from online users.

Defending himself, Ali told the Standard: “I was seated at the front row of the church and I was tapped the shoulders by his (DP Ruto’s) handlers to pass it (the money) across to him. If this is a crime so be it."

Asked why he supports Ruto's harambees (fundraisers) knowing well that public officers are prohibited by law from taking part in such activities Mohamed said: "It is unfair to load that on me when you know I am not the police, a prosecutor or a judge. There are many arms of government to check on all these and unfortunately all of them have a dent. Should I tell people not to receive money? I am not a Christian… It’s up to them to set the standards."

Majority of Kenyans had seen Ali's election to Parliament as a major boost to Kenya's fight against impunity given his commitment to exposing injustices and corruption during his time as an investigative journalist. 

It now appears that Ali, a former critic of Deputy President Ruto and the Jubilee administration, has failed to live up to the expectations of many.

He is now a close ally of Ruto and has been seen moving around with him on several occasions. Mohamed has also endorsed the Deputy President's 2022 presidential bid.