Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kenya Kwanza leaders have launched an aggressive grassroots campaign across various regions of the country, pumping hundreds of millions of shillings into empowerment drives.

From Kapsaret in Uasin Gishu to Machakos and Kitui counties, the ruling coalition’s lieutenants are making high-profile appearances armed with donations, fundraising cheques, and political messages designed to win hearts and silence critics.

In Kapsaret constituency, the spectacle was hard to ignore as a crowd of thousands gathered for what turned out to be one of the largest single-day economic empowerment exercises.

Valued at over KSh 140 million, the initiative saw the distribution of an astonishing array of items that included 100 motorcycles, 400 sewing machines, 500 car wash machines, milk cans, posho mills, vending kits, water tanks, deep fryers and even two vehicles.

All these items were issued free of charge under a grassroots empowerment initiative championed by area MP Oscar Sudi.

The lawmaker was also quick to tell off critics, explaining the source of the funds used in the massive donations.

"Because I have seen on the internet there are people talking rubbish. There is not a single shilling of government money here; not even a penny. This is friendship," Sudi told the cheering crowd.

His comment was a direct rebuttal to social media critics who have questioned how Kenya Kwanza leaders can mobilise such vast resources amid tough economic times.

Sudi’s event wasn’t just a show of generosity, it was a carefully calibrated demonstration of power and loyalty.

The mood was festive, complete with music, dancing and chants in support of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s bottom-up economic model.

Leaders who spoke at the event didn’t hold back, especially when addressing the rising political tensions and realignment in the country.

Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina tore into former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua without naming him directly, accusing him of tribal posturing and empty rhetoric.

"They say the money comes from William Ruto, so it is given to people so they can come and do empowerment. Shame on you, I tell you, Wamunyoro. I want you to show me a toilet or a church you have built," the MP stated.

Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe echoed the sentiment, saying it was hypocritical for critics to dismiss such events as political stunts while doing little themselves to uplift ordinary citizens.

"Let them keep talking on top of cars. They’re the same ones who claim to be ‘listening to the ground," Mugabe said.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah added a rather diplomatic tone to the defence of Kenya Kwanza’s approach.

The government’s charm offensive wasn’t confined to Uasin Gishu, as in Machakos, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led a KSh 2.5 million fundraiser.

Like reading from a script, the second in command joined in the language of unity and economic upliftment.

The same script played out in Mwingi West, Kitui, where National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula contributed KSh 3 million to a women’s empowerment initiative.

Despite the optics of generosity, the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to face public scepticism over the sources of the massive funds being splashed around.

In a related report, Kindiki defended his distribution of over KSh 50 million to small traders and groups across Kenya, particularly in Mt Kenya, dismissing allegations of political bribery.

He questioned critics, asking if supporting small businesses was wrong, and criticised certain Nairobi politicians for being disconnected from ordinary Kenyans' struggles.

Kindiki stressed that the funds aimed to empower small enterprises, not to sway political support.

Source: TUKO.co.ke