Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has criticized Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s recent empowerment programs, accusing them of promoting political division and entrenching poverty rather than fostering genuine economic development.
Wamuchomba described the initiatives as politically motivated handouts masquerading as development, warning that such tactics do more harm than good.
“If it was a true empowerment program, the money should have been passed through Parliament, with a structured approach on its disbursement,” she argued, questioning both the transparency and accountability of the process.
Wamuchomba raised concerns over the selection criteria for beneficiaries, citing poor scrutiny and possible favoritism. Drawing from her own experience in funding community groups, she advocated for more formal and traceable systems, such as depositing funds into bank accounts of registered groups.
“If you’re serious about smart empowerment, you wire money directly to bank accounts,” she said. “That way, we avoid political chaos, favoritism, and ensure inclusivity, especially for vulnerable groups.”
She warned that politicizing the process could lead to the marginalization of disadvantaged individuals, including persons with disabilities. “When this money is dished out politically, that disabled person may not be able to squeeze in to get that money,” she added.
Wamuchomba dismissed the programs’ economic impact, saying they only provide temporary relief and contribute to a “cycle of poverty.” “When you give me 1000 shillings today, what will I eat tomorrow?” she posed.
Under the initiative, Kindiki and other Kenya Kwanza leaders have been touring various counties, distributing funds to small traders, particularly mama mbogas and bodaboda operators. Kindiki has defended the program, claiming it targets rural empowerment and is being criticized by urban elites disconnected from grassroots realities.
“Those opposing the program are rich people in Nairobi. They want us to stop this so they can use the poor for campaign promises,” Kindiki said in a recent address.
However, Wamuchomba dismissed this defense, alleging that the forums are being used to revive political loyalties in Mt. Kenya and to undermine leaders such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. “There is no meeting held in Central Kenya in the name of empowerment where Rigathi has not become the subject of discussion,” she stated, also condemning the involvement of Principal Secretaries in what she described as partisan gatherings.
The growing debate underscores the broader national conversation about the true purpose and impact of empowerment programs, with critics warning they risk becoming mere tools for political mobilization rather than instruments of sustainable development.
Written By Rodney Mbua
