Uhuru Mashinani Campaigners denies extortion claims

Officials of the Uhuru Mashinani Campaigners have come out to defend themselves from claims of extortion by using President Uhuru Kenyatta's name.

The campaign chairman, John Njuguna, has distanced his organisation from reports that police are  investigating him over the claims, insisting the lobby group does not use Uhuru's name in its activities.

Instead, the group has requested relevant Government authorities to move with speed and arrest those soliciting money by claiming to represent their group.

The campaigners argued that bringing their members together to buy land is nothing new, and they should not be vilified. "We would like to state that we have never promised anybody any free land from President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Government or any other person for that matter," Mr Njuguna said.

State House has recently topped the list of those who have sounded the alarm over individuals using the organisation's name to con Kenyans across the country promising to help them acquire a piece of land upon payment of Sh500 non-refundable fee.

According to victims, the group has also told them once they register they would get direct access to the President.

But according to Njuguna, their organisation conducts legal activities and members pay a registration fee of Sh500 and buy shares starting from Sh1,000 of their own volition. The money, he said, is for buying land, which would later be subdivided among members.

The chairperson said their members were in the process of purchasing land in various parts of the country, through purchase of shares for which official receipts are issued.

He argued that they are exercising their freedom as enshrined in the Constitution, adding that the group is registered under the societies Act.