Wetang’ula defends empowerment drives, calls critics enemies of growth

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has condemned those opposing grassroots empowerment forums, branding them as “enemies of growth and the uplifting of the vulnerable.”

Speaking during a major empowerment drive in Bomet on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Wetang’ula said the ongoing countrywide initiatives are changing lives, especially for women’s groups, widows, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

He was accompanied by other Kenya Kwanza leaders, including MPs, senators, and senior government officials during the event that drew hundreds of beneficiaries.

“Critics of the ongoing empowerment meetings are enemies of growth and the uplifting of the vulnerable,” Wetang’ula said .

Reject hate politics

Wetang’ula called on Bomet residents to reject leaders promoting tribalism and division, emphasising that empowerment efforts are anchored on unity and national development.

“Reject leaders who spread hate and division, especially along ethnic lines,” he urged, reaffirming his backing for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign.

He said the forums are designed to ensure the inclusion of marginalised communities in economic growth through access to government funding and opportunities.

“We agreed that an empowered population drives societal transformation and called out leaders opposing such efforts as short-sighted,” he said.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, who also addressed the gathering, echoed Wetang’ula’s remarks and dismissed claims that the forums were political in nature.

“There’s nothing wrong with helping women and youth groups. It’s only those with no agenda who fear seeing progress in the lives of ordinary Kenyans,” Ichung’wah said.

Response to Maraga

Wetang’ula’s remarks appeared to respond to recent concerns by former Chief Justice David Maraga, who warned that early 2027 campaigns were being masked as empowerment events. Maraga had argued that this undermines accountability and service delivery.

Without naming him, Wetang’ula maintained that the drives are aligned with the Kenya Kwanza government’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda and were not political rallies.

“We encouraged these groups to tap into government programs to strengthen their ventures and build resilience,” he stated.

The Kisumu event is part of ongoing efforts by Kenya Kwanza leaders to promote inclusive development and reduce dependency through community-based economic empowerment.

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