Political analyst Herman Manyora has criticised a group of youthful MPs, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, over their recent involvement in empowerment drives akin to the ones conducted by the state.

Speaking on August 4, 2025, Manyora expressed concern that these young leaders have chosen to mimic state-aligned figures rather than hold them accountable.

Being unique

According to Manyora, the MPs had an opportunity to distinguish themselves by providing oversight over the ongoing state-led empowerment programmes, which are spearheaded by individuals close to the presidency, such as Farouk Kibet and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

 Instead, the MPs have chosen to follow the same script, distributing money and donations at public events across the country.

“The young leaders led by Sifuna could have at least been unique and could have instead offered oversight and demanded accountability for the separate empowerment programs that are being led by the state where President Ruto’s close allies Farouk Kibet and Kindiki have been giving out money, where millions are being thrown around, but they have instead gone forward to copy and paste the same,” Manyora stated.

Manyora questioned the source of the funds being distributed by both the state allies and the young MPs, pointing out that there is no known legal or honest business that yields the kind of surplus that allows individuals to give out millions of shillings every weekend.

He stated that leaders who engage in such activities create the perception that leadership is about wealth rather than accountability.

Concentrate on oversight

He challenged the likes of Sifuna, Amisi, and Wamuchomba to focus on oversight and push institutions such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to disclose the tax records of those dishing out cash regularly.

According to him, this would have shown a genuine commitment to transparency and public interest.

“They should have taken the government to task. They should be camping at KRA, Sifuna, Amisi Wamuchimba and the rest; they should be camping at KRA to tell us how much tax these people pay, saying we have a right to know on behalf of the people of Kenya. These people who give millions every weekend – how much are they paying in taxes? Where are their returns? Move to court if need be. Compel KRA to reveal their tax returns. That’s what Sifuna should be doing, not trying to copy what Kindiki and Farouk are doing, because there is no honest business that can leave you with money to throw around every weekend.” He added.

He added that the youthfulness of these leaders should not be wasted in copying questionable practices but should be channelled into challenging the system, demanding accountability, and standing out as a new breed of leadership.