City lawyer Wahome Thuku has forcefully rebutted a wave of online accusations alleging his political commentary is funded by State House. In a fiery and sarcastic response, he challenged his accusers to direct him to the person in President William Ruto's government responsible for payments, humorously suggesting he has yet to receive his share.

The controversy underscores the intense scrutiny public figures face in Kenya's polarized political climate, where shifting opinions are often viewed as financially motivated. Thuku's denial comes after a period of varied and sometimes contradictory political stances, including a call in November 2025 for the complete ouster of President Ruto and his allies in the Mt. Kenya region, contrasted with claims in April 2025 that the region was fully behind the President.

A War of Words

In a series of Facebook posts on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Thuku categorically denied being on the government's payroll, stating his work is driven purely by concern for the country. He recounted a recent conversation with a female Member of Parliament from the Mt. Kenya region who advised him to "commercialise" his political commentary. "'Make money out of it. You are answerable to no one,'" Thuku quoted the MP as saying, an admission that sheds light on the murky world of political influence for hire.

Thuku maintained he has never monetized his political work and has had no contact with State House officials for nearly a decade. His recent critiques have targeted both opposition figures and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which he insists are based on conviction, not cash.

The Analyst Under Fire

Thuku, a columnist and influential digital commentator, has a long history of vocal, and sometimes controversial, engagement in Kenyan politics. His supporters see him as an independent voice, while detractors scrutinize his every move for signs of shifting allegiance. The latest accusations highlight a core tension for the average Kenyan: in a tough economy, the idea that political loyalty can be bought and sold is both believable and a source of deep public cynicism.

Recently, Thuku has also analyzed President Ruto's political strategy, arguing that the President is developing a new "Singapore narrative" to replace the "hustler vs. dynasties" theme for his 2027 re-election campaign. This analysis, coupled with his other statements, has fueled the speculation he now seeks to dispel.

Thuku concluded one of his posts with a quintessentially Kenyan phrase, leaving his followers guessing: "Na nikilipwa tutakula na nyinyi" (And if I get paid, we will eat together).