Babu unveils Sh15 million Sonu seat campaign budget

Campus students need money, lots of it. Last week, they took to the streets protesting over delayed release of HELB funds. Luckily, they got part of it.

Do you ever wonder how much student leaders - the front-liners in such protests - use in order to get elected? Well, the contest for Sonu top seat is already heating up with the two major contestants, Geoffrey Mosiria and Paul Ongili (Babu Owino) getting financially prepared.

Ndege Sirkal,  a close associate and campaign manager of Babu released what appeared to be Babu Owino’s (pictured) re-election campaign budget. As per the document which was posted on Sirkal’s Facebook timeline, the incumbent is looking at a budget well over Sh15 million.

He intends to spend Sh20, 000 on whistles and vuvuzelas and Sh4.4 million on 20 ‘Warembo na Babu’ (brand ladies) from each campus. Sh300, 000 is allocated for airtime, while Sh1 million will go towards social media campaigns.

Babu will also hire 20 security ‘boys.’ He said the budget will be funded by his business, friends in the international community and well-wishers. His main contender, Mosiria, is yet to reveal his budget.

Speaking to The Nairobian, Wangui Muchai, a former UoN congress seat winner said campaigns are usually expensive.

“Top seats could cost more than Sh4 million. You need loud campaigners and enough cash to pay agents and buy air tickets to Mombasa and Kisumu. But most candidates usually get sponsored by politicians and business men,” she disclosed She added that: “During our time, someone blew Sh10 million.”

Muchai told Campus Vibe that there was a tax imposed on candidates before the campaigns but the money usually comes back, through salaries, allowances and projects such as events.

Former Moi University Students Union Chairperson, Kipsaro Arap Boit, rubbished the hefty budget as overestimated and exaggerated. Boit, who was chairman last year, said he spent about Sh150, 000, from his own account and friends.

“No campaign hits the Sh1 million in Moi University. There are businessmen who have interests, so they sponsor the candidates who in turn return the favour by granting their sponsors tenders and good business,” said revealed.

While Mosiria is confident of trouncing Babu in the elections, the current Sonu Chair calls him a ‘small boy’ who is testing if his muscles have developed

HELB, high cost of university education and accommodation are expected to top the list of campaign agenda.