This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
July 7, 2020
Roseline Nakhanu Waluke, the wife of Sirisia MP John Waluke, has faced ridicule and abuse after launching a fundraiser to raise Sh727 million for her husband's release from jail.
Waluke was found guilty of several counts of fraud, alongside Grace Wakhungu, former Environment CS Judy Wakhungu's mother, and is facing 67 years in jail.
His wife, Roseline, launched an MPesa number where contributions would be channeled, awaiting an M-Pesa Paybill number, and appealed for help to raise the monies.
However, instead of receiving support, she has been subjected to contemptuous and dismissive behavior, with many people calling her to abuse her and others only interested in finding out how much she has received so far.
“I'm stressed and I regret starting this fundraiser to bail out my husband. People have been mocking me and hurling abuses at me instead of helping me,” Roseline said.
Despite the backlash, Roseline remains determined to have her husband released and has left the fight to God, but notes that the abuses and mockery have hurt her the most.
It's worth noting that her co-convict, Grace Wakhungu, was able to raise Sh500 million in a record two hours, but it's unclear if this will have any impact on Roseline's efforts.
The case facing Waluke dates back to August 2004 when Erad Supplies and General Contractors Ltd was awarded a Ksh778 million tender to supply 40,000 tonnes of maize.
