Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza government have intensified their campaign in Mt Kenya region, vowing to ensure residents support President William Ruto for a second term.
The DP joined Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri in dismissing former deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, who they said have not demonstrated any development agenda apart from coining sweet slogans in an effort to oust Dr Ruto.
Prof Kindiki said he was impressed that Laikipia residents had shunned political rhetoric by the opposition, which he said was demonstrated by the big turnout.
“Under the stewardship of seasoned politician Mwangi Kiunjuri, your leaders have been steadfast in supporting the government, resisting the wave of deception that has been perpetrated by the opposition,” said the DP.
The leaders, who included several MPs, including National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, spoke in Nanyuki Town, Laikipia County, during an empowerment programme. They said the government had a clear development agenda on education, health and infrastructure.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and nominated MP Sabina Chege.
Photo credit: John Njoroge| Nation Media Group
“From now onwards, I will not engage those opposed to the government in a war of words, but I will concentrate on demonstrating the government’s development agenda. When elections are called, voters will be able to judge who between us and those in opposition, can be trusted in improving the living standards of the citizens,” said Mr Kiunjuri.
“This empowerment is not about leaders. It is not about President Ruto. It is not about Prof Kindiki, me or Ichung’wah. This is a programme that seeks to ensure that the youths of this country earn their livelihood in a dignified manner,” he added.
The leaders defended the empowerment programmes that the opposition has dismissed as tokenism, saying President Ruto’s administration was fulfilling its pledge on its bottom-up economic model
“We are not talking about giving our people little money that will be squandered. We want to empower our people so that they are able to earn their living as they run their businesses. It is ironic for people like former Chief Justice David Maraga to dismiss our initiative, yet he is calling on Kenyans to contribute to his campaigns. Who needs money more, is it the former CJ or Kenyans who are suffering?” posed Mr Ichung’wah.
The Kikuyu MP was referring to claims by Justice Maraga, who had said the money being distributed during the empowerment programmes was the proceeds of corruption and would not in any way empower them economically.
Prof Kindiki said the government did not have to explain the reason they were focused on empowering Kenyans, adding that those who were against the initiative did not understand the challenges facing small business traders.
He said the government had initiated programmes geared towards empowering the youths economically, including the recently launched Climate Work Mtaani and supporting them get employment opportunities abroad.
“Some of the money raised during the empowerment programme will be utilized in assisting the youths who get job opportunities abroad to process necessary travel documents,” said Prof Kindiki.
During the function at Thingithu Primary School, the leaders contributed over Sh7 million, including Sh3 million and Sh1.2 million from President William Ruto and Prof Kindiki, respectively.
Among those in attendance were all four Laikipia MPs (Mr Kiunjuri, Sarah Korere, Wachira Karani and Jane Kagiri), Buuri lawmaker Mugambi Rindikiri and nominated MP Sabina Chege.
The money will be channeled to boda boda operators to support them in establishing SACCOs and also assist some 500 graduates from tertiary institutions in establishing businesses.
