Opposition Slams Kenya Kwanza Over "Empowerment" Projects, Accuses Government of Masking Failures

 

By Kiprop Brian 

Tensions escalated on Saturday as opposition leaders intensified their criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to address the country's pressing issues and instead diverting attention through a flurry of "empowerment" projects and politically-charged harambees.

Speaking during a stop in Voi as part of their ongoing whistle-stop tour from Malili, Makueni to Mombasa, opposition figures took aim at recent initiatives rolled out by leaders allied to President William Ruto, calling them a political smokescreen designed to mask the government's underperformance, especially in combating the high cost of living.

“Mambo haya yote ndio serikali ya Ruto imeshindwa, na wanakuja kila mahali sasa wameanzisha mfumo mwingine wa harambee kupitia nyuma ati oo wanaiita women empowerment,” said Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Kalonzo and other opposition figures accused the Kenya Kwanza government of using public platforms and charity-style events to placate citizens, rather than offering sustainable policy solutions to economic hardship, unemployment, and inflation.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya echoed the sentiment, criticizing the administration for deviating from its campaign promises.

“Walisema watasaidia mtu wa chini lakini leo hii wameanza mambo ya harambee. Hatukuwachagua kufanya harambee. We want ideas, we want policies, we want job creation,” said Salasya.

The empowerment programs, which have included donations of motorcycles, sewing machines, and other business tools under the guise of boosting small enterprises, have become common at public rallies and government-sponsored events. However, critics say they serve more as political campaign tools than meaningful economic interventions.

In a sharp political twist, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who appeared to side with opposition voices, accused both President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga of exploiting allies for political gain before discarding them.

“Si Raila alitumia Kalonzo vibaya? Si Ruto alimtumia vibaya? Sasa mimi na Kalonzo juu tulitumika vibaya tukishikana, tupigane na hawa, iko shida? Harambee wantam!” Gachagua remarked.

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala added his voice to the opposition's defiance, calling for the end of Ruto’s presidency after a single term.

“Tukitaka tukombolewe na turegeshe mali ya Kenya, lazima William Ruto aende one term,” said Malala.

The opposition caravan, which has drawn large crowds and renewed energy within the Azimio coalition, aims to rally support across the country in what they describe as a “rescue mission” for Kenya’s economy and democracy. Their two-day tour is expected to culminate in Mombasa, with calls for intensified civic engagement and unity against what they term “a government of optics and propaganda.”

As political temperatures rise, the Kenya Kwanza administration is yet to issue a formal response to the opposition’s latest attacks.

June 08, 2025