DP Kindiki and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua……Photo/IP.
By Peter Mwibanda
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP) — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s cash-fueled “empowerment tours” across the country are drawing increasing scrutiny amid rising questions over funding sources, transparency and political motives exposing deepening tensions within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
While Kindiki has defended the tours as government-backed economic interventions aimed at uplifting marginalized communities, critics including his predecessor and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua allege the programs are thinly veiled political schemes funded by public coffers without parliamentary oversight.
The two leaders, once allies from Mt. Kenya’s political wing are now engaged in a growing war of words over what Gachagua has labeled “unauthorized parallel projects” disguised as community outreach.
Empowerment or Campaigning in Disguise?
In recent weeks, Kindiki has been seen traversing counties with trucks of cash and donations, disbursing millions to youth groups, boda boda operators, women’s collectives and religious institutions.
While the optics are intended to reflect a caring, responsive government, questions are mounting over where the funds originate and how they are accounted for.
“These are public funds being moved around like campaign money,” said political analyst Dr. Eunice Wanjiru. “If this is government policy, where is the budget line? If it’s private support, who are the sponsors? Kenyans deserve transparency.”
Kindiki, who has gained popularity for his hands-on approach to security and grassroots engagement has dismissed the criticism as political jealousy saying the government is committed to empowering citizens beyond elections.
“We are not just talking development. We are delivering it — with dignity and urgency,” Kindiki told a crowd in Bungoma County. “No region will be left behind because elections are over. This is how we build the nation.”
Gachagua Fires Back
But Gachagua, whose own Mount Kenya backyard has seen diminishing influence in recent months has publicly accused the Interior Ministry of bypassing proper channels and duplicating roles meant for elected leaders and the Presidency.
In a veiled attack during a recent church service in Nyeri, the former DP warned against “political tourism funded by taxpayers,” suggesting that the so-called empowerment funds were being diverted from crucial national programs.
“This is not the time to play with public money. Let us not politicize development,” Gachagua said. “The Treasury has not released any special budget for these activities. Let the Interior Ministry explain where the money is coming from.”
Cracks in Kenya Kwanza’s Unity?
The emerging rift between Kindiki and Gachagua is symptomatic of a broader internal jostle within the Kenya Kwanza administration especially as political players begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts believe Kindiki’s rising national profile and perception as a competent, non-combative alternative to Gachagua — may be unsettling the DP’s team.
His consistent presence in regions beyond his Tharaka Nithi home base has triggered speculation about broader political ambitions.
“Kindiki is executing a soft-power strategy that’s making noise in high places,” said governance expert Vincent Omondi. “Whether intentional or not, his tours are becoming a political counterweight.”
Accountability Questions Linger
Meanwhile, questions persist about the legality and oversight of the empowerment programs.
While government officials insist the programs are part of a broader citizen engagement initiative under the Interior docket, Parliament has yet to debate or approve a formal policy framework for them.
The Controller of Budget and the Auditor-General have also remained silent, raising further concern among civil society organizations.
“This culture of briefcase empowerment must end,” said Transparency Africa CEO Joyce Ogweno. “We need transparency, itemized budgets, and clear monitoring. Otherwise, this is another chapter of political showmanship.”
Looking Ahead: A House Divided?
As the country watches the growing tension between two powerful Mt. Kenya figures, the bigger question remains whether Kenya Kwanza can maintain internal unity while navigating competing ambitions, regional pressures and a restless public hungry for real economic change.
For now, Kindiki’s tours continue — but so does the backlash, with every new stop becoming both a photo opportunity and a political flashpoint.
Ends.
