By TWV Reporter
Nyandarua County Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha has sharply criticized youth and women empowerment initiatives led by national leaders, dismissing them as “tokenism designed to mislead vulnerable communities.”
Speaking at the Madaraka Day celebrations at Silibwet Secondary School in Boiman, Governor Badilisha condemned leaders who distribute cash at public rallies under the guise of empowerment, describing such actions as “short-term theatrics rather than sustainable solutions.”
“Our youth and women seek opportunities to thrive, not handouts. Public cash distributions before cameras insult their intelligence and potential,” the governor declared to resounding applause.
Badilisha urged the national government to honour the spirit of Madaraka by preserving counties’ authority over bursary allocations, emphasizing that education, not temporary handouts, is the foundation of genuine empowerment.
Several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) present at the event echoed the governor’s sentiments, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of undermining devolution by unilaterally withdrawing bursary funds. The MCAs announced their disengagement from the ruling coalition, citing the move as a betrayal of devolution’s principles.
“How can we champion bottom-up economics while denying grassroots communities the tools to succeed?” questioned an impassioned MCA.
Badilisha also criticized his predecessor, former Governor Francis Kimemia, accusing him of overseeing a regime marked by unfulfilled promises and superficial projects. “Signboards were erected, but projects remained unrealized. Our people were misled with slogans while service delivery faltered,” he asserted.
The governor highlighted delays in national fund disbursements as a significant obstacle to his administration’s efforts, suggesting that counties are being financially constrained by the National Treasury.
At the same event, County Commissioner Abdirisak Jaldesa raised concerns about a rise in nighttime livestock theft and illegal slaughter, directing chiefs and village elders to strengthen local surveillance to address the issue.
Meanwhile, in Murang’a, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the public handout campaigns across the Mt. Kenya region as part of a broader economic empowerment strategy. He claimed the funds are sourced from leaders’ contributions, not public coffers.
“Critics of this program fail to grasp the realities of poverty. They are privileged enough to dismiss support for mama mboga and boda boda riders,” Kindiki stated.
However, not all leaders align with this view. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and others have criticized the initiative as a vote-buying scheme masked as empowerment. They argue that resources should be directed toward strengthening healthcare systems and schools rather than funding politically staged cash distributions.
“If the economy is struggling, why prioritize roadside rallies over investments in hospitals and classrooms?” one critic asked.
As public trust in government priorities wanes, questions persist about the true motives behind these empowerment campaigns. In Governor Badilisha’s words, “Our people deserve dignity, not orchestrated generosity for media coverage.”
The escalating war of words highlights a deepening divide within Kenya’s political leadership, as counties demand respect for devolution and a renewed focus on sustainable development.
