Gachagua slams Kindiki’s empowerment programme as shameful waste of public resources
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has criticised Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s economic empowerment initiatives in the Mt Kenya region, dismissing them as hollow public relations stunts disguised as development.
Speaking during an interview in Boston on July 19, 2025, Gachagua described the programmes as a “shameful waste of public resources.”
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He has also accused the government of staging flashy events with little to no meaningful impact on the ground.
“The so-called economic empowerment in Mt Kenya is a façade. Previously, they came with beans and rice, until we spoke out. Now, they parade ‘real’ empowerment materials, but it’s still a shameful waste of public resources. Just look: dozens of helicopters flying into one event, all for show. This is not empowerment. It’s extravagance dressed as progress,” he said.
Further, he has criticised the disparity in resource allocation and job creation across regions, pointing to the Rift Valley as a prime example.
“While Mt Kenya is being appeased with beans and rice, Rift Valley is receiving matatus; their youth are being recruited into the army and the Kenya Police, and even securing jobs abroad. Meanwhile, in Mt Kenya, instead of opportunities, they are deploying goons to intimidate and divide,” he said.
Kindiki
This comes a few weeks after Kindiki has defended the ongoing national economic empowerment programmes spearheaded by his office, asserting that the government is committed to directly supporting citizens beyond election periods.
Speaking during the Taveta Constituency Economic Empowerment Programme at Satoo Grounds in Taita Taveta County on July 3, 2025, the Deputy President rejected criticism from opposition leaders regarding the disbursement of funds in the forums, calling the attacks misplaced.
“The time to stand with the people is not during campaigns or on election day. It is now, when there are no elections. That is what leadership is about,” he said.
“Some leaders only remember Mama Mboga during campaigns, rushing to offer a Ksh50 apron or reflectors worth Ksh70 to bodaboda riders just to solicit votes.”
Kindiki reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration is focused on delivering development rather than engaging in early political campaigns.
“Our priority is to stand with the people, not politics, because the time for politics is not now,” he asserted.
He reiterated that the economic forums are not platforms for political activities but opportunities to listen to citizens, support grassroots enterprises, and enhance service delivery.
