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.