Maanzo to Kindiki: Fix Tharaka schools instead of dishing out Ksh64
By David Nthua, July 31, 2025Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has challenged Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to renovate schools in his home county instead of jumping from one chopper to the other.
Speaking during an interview with one of the local TV stations on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the outspoken Senator boldly said that it makes no sense for top government leaders to conduct flashy empowerment drives while schools in their own backyards are falling apart.
“The handouts thing is indeed political. In his own county and the constituencies there, we have schools which can be blown by wind or fall on children during the rainy season,” Maanzo said.
The Senator said the government should prioritise fixing such structures before showing off with cash handouts. He called on Kindiki to start fundraising for schools in his own constituency, saying that leadership should begin at home.
Maanzo’s remarks come at a time when some of the so-called economic empowerment drives, where leaders led by Kindiki fly in high-end choppers and hand out cash in public meetings, have been criticised for being more of a show than real development.
Empowerment drives under fire
“These empowerment programmes have become a joke,” said Maanzo. “The first thing I did when I was elected as Member of the National Assembly for Mavoko was to remove all stick-and-mud classrooms. I built proper schools from Class One to Class Eight.”
He added that what matters is not how much money leaders give in handouts, but whether they leave behind lasting development that benefits communities for generations.
Maanzo urged the government to direct public funds into strengthening public education, especially in rural areas, where some school buildings remain unsafe and unfit for learning.
So far, Deputy President Kindiki has not publicly responded to Senator Maanzo’s comments.