Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly refuted allegations that he is using financial contributions to influence voter sentiment in areas less aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Over the past month, Kindiki has handed out over KSh 50 million at public events, with Members of Parliament also making donations during these occasions.
Critics have suggested these donations are from state resources and are thinly veiled political strategies meant to win over skeptical regions. In his defense, Kindiki described the financial outreach as part of a sincere economic empowerment drive, designed to uplift small-scale traders and community-based businesses. He posed a rhetorical challenge to his detractors, asking, “What’s wrong with supporting mama mboga or boda boda riders to grow their businesses?”
Focusing particularly on the Mt. Kenya region, Kindiki’s contributions have drawn scrutiny for their magnitude and frequency. In the last month alone, he has funneled over KSh 50 million into various constituencies, a move he insists is personal and supported by local leaders and private supporters.
This week, the Deputy President intensified his grassroots engagements, contributing over KSh 30 million to groups across the country. He began in Gatundu South on Sunday, followed by a visit to Kiambu County’s Lari constituency. By Thursday, the outreach had extended to Kisii County, and by Friday, residents in Kieni West were the latest recipients of the funding.
“They accuse us of bribery for helping small businesses. But who is being bribed? Where is the bribery in supporting hardworking Kenyans trying to make a living?” Kindiki challenged during one of his addresses.
However, the incident also underscores the fine line between genuine economic empowerment and the perception of political patronage in Kenya’s competitive political environment.
The Deputy President also highlighted the government’s upcoming National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, which aims to provide KSh 50,000 grants to 70 businesses per ward across the country. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost small-scale businesses and improve livelihoods at the grassroots level.
Despite the ongoing debate, Kindiki remains steadfast in his commitment to economic empowerment, asserting that the government’s focus is on transforming Kenya from the grassroots and not engaging in premature political contests.
