Kenya Kwanza allied leaders have come out strongly in support of the government’s ongoing grassroots empowerment programmes, dismissing criticism as unfounded and politically motivated.

Speaking during a public event in Sotik Constituency on Saturday 2nd Aug 2025, Bomet County, the leaders said the forums targeting women, widows, persons with disabilities, and small-scale traders are transforming lives and fulfilling key promises made during the 2022 campaigns.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula led the delegation and accused critics of the initiative of undermining efforts to uplift vulnerable groups.

“Scripture tells us that God is the father of the fatherless and the husband of widows. Today we are here to stand with widows and persons living with disabilities so they can be self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the economy. The Constitution mandates us to protect the vulnerable,” Wetang’ula said.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot backed the Speaker’s remarks and criticized those seeking to block the meetings through the courts. He maintained that the empowerment drives are part of Kenya Kwanza’s social agenda and would proceed as planned.

“These gatherings are a fulfillment of what we promised Kenyans under the UDA manifesto empowering hustlers and uplifting communities at the grassroots. We are not about to stop,” said Cheruiyot, who is also the Kericho Senator.

He said the initiative complements other government programmes such as the Hustler Fund, Youth Fund, and Women Enterprise Fund, which are already impacting lives across the country.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who chairs the National Assembly Committee on Defense, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, said the empowerment forums were simply a continuation of a long-standing culture of community support through public fundraisers.

“This is not new. We’ve always done Harambees. The only difference is the structure. What matters is that communities are benefiting, and we intend to stay the course,” said Koech.

The leaders also took the opportunity to drum up support for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027, arguing that sustained leadership would enable the administration to complete ongoing reforms and development projects.

“You have seen what the President has already done. We’ve fought to improve the lives of small-scale farmers and reduce the cost of living. Let’s give him another term to finish the job,” said Wetang’ula.

Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe took it a step further, calling on voters to back Ruto in 2027 and support Wetang’ula’s leadership ambitions in 2032.

Highlighting government achievements, the leaders cited subsidies that have boosted agricultural productivity, improved food security, and helped stabilize prices. They urged residents to use funds from the empowerment drives to start income-generating projects and take advantage of government initiatives.

“We are here to help you access resources to start businesses and grow. Use this money wisely to improve your livelihoods,” said Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng’eno.

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch praised the current administration’s inclusive approach, saying it had helped lower political tensions and created a more stable environment for development.

Other speakers took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of fanning tribalism and lacking policy-driven agendas.

“Some of them are stuck in old politics ethnic mobilization and personal attacks. President Ruto has united the country, and we’re seeing development across all regions,” said Taveta MP John Bwire.

Wetang’ula concluded by stressing that Kenya must move away from divisive politics and focus on national unity and economic transformation.

“We reject politics of hate and ethnicity. The opposition has no alternative vision only insults. We will continue engaging citizens directly and implementing programmes that make a difference,” he said.

The leaders pledged to hold similar empowerment meetings in other regions as part of ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, unity, and sustainable development.