The determination by leaders allied to the government to uphold fundraisers seems to be gaining momentum, with the Kenya Kwanza team landing in Bungoma County on Saturday.

Despite mounting pressure for pro-government leaders to reveal the source of funds dished out in the empowerment programs held weekly, the leaders have come out guns blazing, saying they shall not be cowed.

Speaking at different fundraisers that have now been christened empowerment fora, the deputy president, as well as MPs, termed the drives as necessary, vowing to ensure uniform development across the country. 

At an event said to be empowering a women’s group, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa poured cold water on allegations by a section of opposition leaders who claim some of the funds could be from government coffers.

“Ati wanatuuliza maswali ati tunatoa pesa wapi. Wacha tuwaambie sisi hatutegemei mshahara peke yake. Sisi ni wakulima, sisi ni wafanyabiashara mashuhuri, na pesa tulizo nazo ni zetu na hawa wananchi ambao tunafanyia kazi,' said Ichung'wa.

Webuye East MP Martin Pepela added, “Na sisi tukiwa hapa ni kuwaambia Mheshimiwa Ruto na Papa wa Roma na Oparanya ni kwamba tuendelee kuempower kina mama na vijana wetu ili wawe na pesa kwa mfuko.”

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki held a similar drive in Wote, Makueni County, where he castigated the opposition for propagating divisive politics. In an apparent charm offensive aimed at Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kindiki threw barbs at his predecessor even as he called on leaders and Kenyans at large to give former DP Gachagua a wide berth.

“Kuna watu wananyemelea ndugu yangu mkubwa na kumuingiza kwa siasa yenye sio siasa ya type yake. Wanasema sijui cousin sijui nini. Kati ya mimi na ule mtu wa mitego, nani anakaa kama rafiki ya Wakamba?" He said.

In Kisumu County, while attending the burial of Rachel Achieng’, leaders under the broad-based government hailed the arrangement, which they said will ensure uniform distribution of resources across the country. Disparaging the "wantam" chorus championed by the opposition, the leaders called for a tone-down of political rhetoric to allow government to deliver on its promises.

“When elections come we will have the opportunity to assess those who have worked, those who have delivered, we give them another mandate. If not, we replace them. But between now and then, we must support all our leaders to work for us," said Internal Security PS Dr. Raymond Omollo.