A collage of former DP Rigathi Gachagua and his successor, Kithure Kindiki
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has responded to his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua’s criticism of his ‘many’ economic empowerment drives.
According to Kindiki, the economic empowerment engagements for mama mbogas and boda boda riders will not stop anytime soon.
“We are not about to stop the Empowerment Engagement Programme,” he said, adding that those criticising the programme are used to deceiving Kenyans just to get their votes.
“Those criticising the empowerment program are used to hoodwinking the voters during the campaigns but disappear when they are voted in.”
He went on to say that as the Kenya Kwanza administration, they have decided not to waste time on politics and channel their focus towards improving the livelihoods and increasing incomes for citizens in addition to developing the country.
“We have decided we will not waste time politicking because that is not the business of leaders. Our competition is for the livelihood, income and development of our citizens.”
Kindiki was responding to former DP Gachagua, who warned on Friday that these fundraisers are being conducted at the expense of essential service delivery.
Gachagua claimed that money has been diverted to strategic institutions from where they are accessed to finance the alleged empowerment programmes.
“There is no money for capitation in our schools, and principals are subjected to a game of musical chairs by the government. They are torn between admitting auctioneers to settle unpaid bills or sending pupils home for levies,” he said.
“Our hospitals are mere shells, crippled by a failed healthcare system and hollow promises from the government.”
Gachagua alleged that taxes collected from Kenyans, including payroll deductions, are being mismanaged by politicians rather than directed toward vital public services.
Kindiki defended the empowerment drives, saying that they are aimed at boosting the small scale traders.
He said that through the Nyota programme, the state will be giving Sh50,000 support to 70 of these traders in each of the 1,450 wards across Kenya.
“We have deliberately decided to support the Mama Mboga and Boda boda now so that the extra Sh10,000 or so can multiply and will ultimately educate her children, provide food for the family, among other benefits that change lives,” the DP said.
