Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday, April 13, visited Karuri in Kiambaa, where he represented President William Ruto at a Women and Youth Economic Empowerment Forum. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the women and youth empowerment programme in Kiambu. He was joined by local leaders and small-scale traders, including mama mboga and boda boda operators, in a bid to advance grassroots economic development. Speaking at the event, Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uplifting informal traders by creating a conducive and dignified environment for their businesses.
He highlighted the Kenya Kwanza administration’s ongoing efforts to construct 400 modern markets across the country, equipped with essential amenities such as cold storage, lactation rooms, ICT hubs, social halls, and expanded stalls to accommodate more vendors. “In Kiambu county alone, 25 modern markets are at various stages of completion. We are focused on delivering our pre-election pledges, including completing stalled road projects, creating employment for our youth, and enhancing agricultural productivity through strategic policy and administrative reforms,” Kindiki said. How did Kindiki give out Ruto’s KSh 3m donation? However, the event took a surprising turn when Kindiki instructed journalists and media personnel to switch off their cameras moments before announcing and delivering Ruto’s donation of KSh 3 million to support the empowerment initiative. Residents of Karuri during a women and youths empowerment programme attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Photo: Kithure Kindiki. Source: Facebook “I want to read the message I’ve brought, it’s right there with Kawanjiku. It goes like this — let’s switch off those cameras and lights now, the time is up. The meeting is over, and our friends in the media are good people. The president has sent me with a message of great love — a token of KSh 3 million. Where’s the applause for that?” he asked.
The directive to block media coverage of the donation comes amid mounting public scrutiny over high-profile political donations, particularly in light of Kenya’s economic challenges and ongoing concerns over corruption. Religious institutions have also weighed in, with several churches recently calling for an end to publicising donations during services, advocating instead for discreet giving in line with biblical principles.
by Nancy Odindo
