Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has questioned the source of funds in Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Economic Empowerment Programme.

Speaking in Mumias on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Sifuna questioned how an individual can donate Ksh100 million in one week.

“The economy is bad, and we are seeing people every week moving around with money, doing employment programmes. How is it possible for one person to contribute Ksh100 million in one week?” he posed.

Furthermore, he has called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct investigations into the source of the funds.

“EACC should investigate these people so we know where they are getting millions every day; you will find it’s money stolen from Kenyans,” he added.

This comes after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led two economic empowerment events on June 13, 2025, which have cumulatively raised Ksh20 million, with the President and the DP contributing half the amount.

The programme has received criticism, with some questioning the source of the money and its accountability. The DP has promised to take the contributions to the next level.

Kindiki rallied a Ksh10 million fund drive in  Mwala constituency, Machakos County.

“Nimeleta mchango wangu wa shilingi million mbili na milioni tatu ya rais.”

Loosely interpreted as;

“I have brought my contribution of Ksh2 million and Ksh3 million for the President of the Republic of Kenya,” he stated

On the same day, his entourage was airborne again, touching down in Nyamira County, where he contributed Ksh10 million in the West Mugirango constituency.

“Nimeleta mchango wangu wa shilingi milioni mbili na milioni tatu ya rais,” he stated

Loosely interpreted as:

“I have brought my contribution of Ksh2 million and Ksh3 million for the President of the Republic of Kenya,” he stated.

Furthermore, Kindiki utilised the two events to garner support for the government, promising improved delivery in the days to come.

“Hii kazi ntaipeleka faster faster, nitaipeleka mbio mbio kama gari ya miraa.”

Loosely interpreted as:

“I will do this job diligently and fast,” he added.

Kindiki defends programme

Furthermore, Kindiki defended the programme, stating that the empowerment of youth, women, and vulnerable groups will continue, as it enhances efforts to improve their lives.

Speaking on June 9, 2025, during an Empowerment Programme in Thika Town Constituency, Kiambu County, DP Kindiki said that empowerment is not an attempt to bribe people for their support but a genuine effort to improve their livelihoods.

“No amount of noise will stop the ongoing economic empowerment programme because we are focused and determined to improve the lives of our people,” said Prof. Kindiki.

He explained that the government empowerment programmes are not only restricted to monetary initiatives but also the provision of critical amenities such as modern markets, the creation of jobs and employment opportunities for all, and others.