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

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed criticism over his distribution of millions of shillings to groups and traders across Kenya, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

Contrary to claims that he is using the cash handouts as a political bribe to sway regions seen as less supportive of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Kindiki stated his initiative is a genuine economic empowerment program.

Over the past month, Kindiki has donated over KSh 50 million at public events throughout the country, with the bulk of funds going to groups in his Mt Kenya backyard.

This sum is in addition to contributions from MPs, who have also given at least KSh 100,000 each at these functions.

The initiative has seen hundreds of small traders, boda boda riders, and women’s groups benefiting directly, sparking excitement and celebration wherever he visits.

On Friday, May 23, in Kiawara Market, Kieni West, Nyeri County, residents welcomed Kindiki with song and dance as anticipation grew for the financial support that many have come to view as a lifeline amid rising economic challenges.

These funds, Kindiki explained, are meant to support small businesses by increasing their working capital and enabling them to expand their operations.

Critics, however, have painted the program as a show of extravagance and opulence, ill-timed when millions of Kenyans are grappling with inflation and the government plans budget cuts for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Some have questioned the source of the funds, while others accuse the DP of attempting to buy political favour in regions where support for the ruling coalition has been wavering.

Addressing these allegations, Kindiki was firm and unapologetic, insisting that the money he's giving out cannot be considered a bribe.

"They say we shouldn’t help these small business people because we are bribing them. Are you people the ones bribed? Has anyone bribed them? Is there any bribery here? Is it wrong to help a vegetable seller get more stock to do business? Is there any wrongdoing anywhere? Is it wrong to stand with a boda boda rider," Kindiki said rhetorically.

Kindiki further compared his empowerment efforts to the promises politicians make during campaigns, promises often broken once leaders are elected.

His commitment, he emphasised, is to make tangible impacts on the ground now, rather than waiting for elections.

"Those people I hear making noise over there in Nairobi—saying "oh, don't help these ones"—first of all, they are full, they are satisfied, they have wealth. Their children are in school. And they have a lot of money. Now they’re asking, “What difference does it make if a group gets KSh 100,000 or KSh 200,000?"Kindiki added.

On the question of sustainability and scale, Kindiki revealed the government’s larger empowerment scheme called Nyota.

He explained that it would provide KSh 50,000 grants to 70 businesses in each of Kenya’s 1,450 wards, backed by a KSh 28 billion budget.

Elsewhere, President William Ruto previously attended a church service at AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret, where he donated KSh 20 million towards the church's construction.

He criticised those opposing his church donations, stating they lacked faith in God and would not succeed in their opposition.

Ruto emphasised his commitment to continue supporting religious institutions, asserting that no one would deter him from giving.

Source: TUKO.co.ke