Deputy of the Aktobe city maslikhat Aslan Kairgaliyev was issued a reprimand after footage emerged of him handing 4 million tenge to a newlywed couple. The deputy himself stated that the money did not belong to him personally and had been collected by friends.
WHERE THE MONEY CAME FROM
Aslan Kairgaliyev said on his Instagram page that he was the best man at his childhood friend's wedding.
According to him, the video captured the moment he handed over the sum, which had been pooled together by all the groom's friends. The deputy stressed that he was merely acting as an intermediary, passing on a collective gift.
WHY THE VIDEO SPARKED CONTROVERSY
The clip quickly spread on social media and drew criticism from Kazakhstani citizens. Users were outraged by the public counting of a large sum of money on camera. Many questioned the appropriateness of such a display by a public figure.
Aslan Kairgaliyev admitted that his actions looked inappropriate from the outside.
"I had no intention or desire to show off or attract attention to myself. It was simply a joyful and emotional moment at my close friend's wedding," Aslan Kairgaliyev stated.
THE MASLIKHAT'S RESPONSE
The Aktobe city maslikhat did not support the deputy's actions. On 20 April 2026, the ethics committee for deputies held a meeting.
"Following the review of the situation, the ethics committee for deputies decided to issue a reprimand to deputy Aslan Kairgaliyev. The committee members thoroughly examined the Instagram video footage and made this decision taking into account the opinions of all meeting participants," the maslikhat's press service reported.