One of the reasons brave young Kenyans poured into the streets in protest last year is what they saw as an insensitive display of opulence by the political elite.  

Politicians dished out millions at harambees and rejected demands for transparency on the source of the money.  

Semi-literate politicians mocked Kenyans with better education but without jobs and cash to show for their academic qualifications.  

Thousands of Kenyans are suffering due to the high cost of living and a broken health and education system, due to unreasonable experimentation by the Ruto administration, with no end in sight. 

This seems to be the time for endless political competition at the expense of addressing issues facing Kenyans, such as unemployment, access to education funding, improved roads, security, public safety, better returns to farmers for their produce, health care and a clean environment. 

Many Kenyans cannot afford food for their families and live one medical bill away from penury.  

Many parents are unable to take their children to school due to a lack of money for fees, as politicians dish out bursaries to the well-connected.  

County government officials in cut-throat competition steal money meant for essential services such as medical care. All these explain the disillusionment among Kenyans.  

Universities are collapsing due to mismanagement and plunder.  

The country’s economy is grappling with a near-cash crunch due to a ballooning public debt that has left critical sectors seriously underfunded. 

Given the message of the deadly Gen Z protests, Kenyans would expect a change of behaviour from politicians.  

It is sad to note that politicians seem not to have learned anything from the youth revolt. And it starts at the top.  

President Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki, are back to an insensitive display of opulence. 

Kindiki has been hostile to scrutiny after spearheading a cash distribution initiative disguised as an economic empowerment programme.  

The DP has been donating millions of shillings at harambees, while his salary is a public affair. 

We demand that Kindiki explain the source of the funds and address concerns that taxpayer money is being diverted from essential services to fund political bribes. 

And the culture of tokenism must end.