Maanzo: People have been swindled through Kindiki’s empowerment tours
By Kiprono Keileb, July 31, 2025Senator Dan Maanzo has launched a scathing critique of Kithure Kindiki’s ongoing national empowerment tours, saying they are nothing more than political gimmicks designed to deceive the public under the guise of economic upliftment.
Speaking during a political talk show on a local television station on Thursday, July 31 2025, the Makueni Senator questioned the structure, transparency, and long-term impact of the fundraising initiatives currently being rolled out in various parts of the country, particularly in lower Eastern regions like Makueni and Kitui.
“In Makueni, these fundraisers have been held in at least two or three constituencies. Money is raised, but it never returns to the community as promised. People have been swindled, it’s just politics, and those behind it are true handout masters,” Maanzo said.
The Senator further stated that UDA party operatives are exploiting the program to push political agendas in regions where the ruling party lacks significant grassroots support.
“Not all constituencies in Makueni have UDA representatives. So what we see are agents, parliamentary hopefuls, party mobilizers acting on behalf of the party, staging these events and vanishing immediately after disbursing token amounts,” he added.
He also cited a recent event in Kitui where a UDA-aligned politician allegedly gathered residents, handed out cash, and left without any meaningful engagement or follow-up plan.
“They said ‘put all the money here,’ called the public, gave out the cash, then left, ” Maanzo said.
The Senator warned that without being anchored in structured and regulated frameworks like registered cooperatives, these initiatives risk devolving into avenues for short-term political gain rather than delivering genuine, long-term economic empowerment.
“If this were being done through cooperatives under the Ministry of Cooperatives, led by CS Oparanya, it would make sense. That’s the only way to ensure accountability and sustainability,” Maanzo asserted.
“If they want this to work, deal with the registered cooperatives, not just a makeshift group which have been formed that morning to receive that day, and they disperse that same day,” he added.
Maanzo emphasised that if the government genuinely intends to uplift communities, it must stop politicising economic aid and instead build systems that outlive political cycles.
“Let it be done through credible cooperatives. That’s how you ensure transparency, fairness, and continuity,” he said.
As the Deputy President continues with his national tour, which has seen millions disbursed in various counties, Maanzo’s remarks echo a growing concern: whether these empowerment drives are truly about people, or just power.