Deputy President Kithure Kindiki dancing with leaders at Kimorori grounds in Kenol, Murang'a county, during an empowerment forum on July 25, 2025Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have defended the ongoing empowerment forums across the country, saying the initiative is part of the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda aimed at uplifting women and youth at the grassroots.
Speaking during an empowerment event at Kimorori grounds in Kenol town, Murang’a County, the leaders criticised opposition politicians for dismissing the programme, which they said is already changing lives in rural areas.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said critics should stop hiding behind social media and instead confront the issues on the ground.
“If someone is against the empowerment programme, let them come to Maragua and say it. Let them not just post it on social media,” he said.
Kindiki maintained that the programme enjoys widespread support among beneficiaries and that the government will continue with its implementation regardless of political criticism.
His remarks come a week after former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua dismissed the empowerment forums as public relations stunts disguised as development.
Speaking during an interview in Boston, United States, Gachagua criticised the government for spending large amounts of public funds on the events.
In response, Kindiki said the programme is designed to provide groups with resources to start or grow their businesses and transform their livelihoods.
He also called on political leaders in the Mt. Kenya region to embrace issue-based politics and shun violence.
“For the first time, we have seen violence in this region. Even when Matiba competed with Kibaki in 1992, we didn’t destroy each other’s property. They competed on ideas.”
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, challenging critics to suggest viable alternatives for supporting grassroots communities.
“This is what we promised in the Bottom-Up agenda. These groups are now able to access revolving funds. Women are expanding their businesses, and boda boda riders are buying their motorcycles.”
Ichung’wah noted that the funds being raised go towards table banking initiatives that offer affordable financial support to group members.
Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina said her office only receives Sh13 million annually under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to support groups, which is far below the demand.
“We know how hard it is to even borrow Sh500. The money we’re raising today is not for people to divide among themselves—it’s to help grow their economic activities.”
