Kindiki slams Maraga over empowerment programme criticism
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has fired back at former Chief Justice David Maraga over his recent criticism of government empowerment programmes, insisting the initiatives are delivering tangible change for vulnerable communities.
The remarks come amid growing tensions between former judicial leaders and the current administration over public policy and development priorities.
You might also like
Speaking on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a public engagement in Meru County, Kindiki dismissed Maraga’s concerns as disconnected from the realities on the ground, saying the programmes are already transforming lives.
“There are people in Nairobi who are disrespectful. I had someone say that 500 shillings is small. 500 every day in a week, paid on Saturday, is it money or not money?” he posed.
The DP also defended the Kazi Mtaani programme, saying they are key in alleviating the youths and improving their economic status even as the government continue to revive stalled projects in various parts of the country.
“The youth will have no time to be involved in drug abuse and or criminal acts because the jobs will keep them engaged, earning 3500 shillings a week,” he said.
Maraga had questioned the transparency and long-term impact of some empowerment initiatives, raising doubts about their sustainability. But Kindiki defended the programmes as people-driven and effective.
“We are seeing real change among beneficiaries. These programmes are not public relations—they are restoring dignity to the forgotten,” the DP noted.
He cited success stories in informal settlements and border regions, where women and youth have received tools, capital, and training to uplift their livelihoods.
“We will not be distracted. Our mission is to deliver results to the people, not to impress elites,” Kindiki added.
Maraga on empowerment projects
The legal veteran dismissed the recent empowerment drives in the country, where senior state officials have traversed various parts of the country to dish out money to groups.
Speaking during a live TV interview on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Maraga stated that the recent spate of empowerment drives does not solve the underlying problems of the economy.
“Don’t go out dishing money to people when you are supposed to revamp the economy so that these people can earn their own money,” Maraga said.
“When you give them Ksh1,000 or Ksh2,000, how long will it last? What we want Kenyans to know is that they should not be bought. They should not be given a few hundred or thousands of shillings on the eve of the elections to vote for the wrong people.”
