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President Salva Kiir has said some government officials who accompanied him on his recent visit to Bahr el Ghazal travelled with the expectation that he would distribute money during the trip.

According to President Kiir earlier statement, his visit  was private, but was dismayed huge crowds turn out to welcome him.

Speaking at a public gathering in Aweil town last week, Kiir told residents that members of his entourage believed he would make financial donations to local communities and groups.

“You have seen now from the government officials who came accompanying me. They all came here thinking I have money and hoping I would come and distribute it to the people here,” the president said.

The remarks came as Kiir addressed supporters during a visit that was initially described as a private trip to his home region but later evolved into a series of public engagements.

During the event, the president announced a donation of 500 million South Sudanese Pounds to various community groups.

“I will give different groups that have come here 500 million pounds. These include the cultural groups, the artists, the women union and youth,” he said.

The announcement drew cheers from supporters attending the gathering.

Kiir thanked residents for the warm reception accorded to him during the visit and said he hoped to return to the area in July during the election campaign period.

“Therefore, I thank you all and we hope to meet in July this year during the election campaign,” he said.

During his tour of Bahr el Ghazal, the president met community members, traditional leaders and local officials and discussed issues affecting the region.

The visit comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of South Sudan’s anticipated elections.