Businessman Zedekiah Bundotich, alias Buzeki, has criticised the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), for worsening the country’s social and economic problems.
In a statement on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Buzeki stated that the UDA administration has become synonymous with a leadership style that prioritises shady deals over public service.
“UDA doesn’t solve problems. They are the problem. Every morning, they wake up not to serve Kenya but to shady deals that kill jobs and suffocate hope,” he stated.
He has highlighted the increase in the fuel levy from Ksh18 to Ksh25, a move he believes will trigger a new wave of job losses and drive up the cost of living.
“Fuel levy from Ksh18 to Ksh25, more jobs will vanish in a few, and more youth will join the epic Wantam chorus!” he added.
Furthermore, he has criticised the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, presidential aide Farouk Kibet, and MP Oscar Sudi’s Economic Empowerment Programmes, saying they are long on showmanship.
“Silly empowerment circus by Kindiki/Farouk/Sudi and others. UPIMBI!! No scratch kwa ground. (Dumb! Out of touch with no basis for Kenyans,” he stated.
Buzeki joins other leaders criticising Kindiki’s economic empowerment programme, among them Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Gachagua’s criticism
Gachagua claimed that money has been diverted to strategic institutions from which it is accessed to finance the alleged empowerment programmes.
“There is no money for capitation in our schools, and principals are subjected to a game of musical chairs by the government. They are torn between admitting auctioneers to settle unpaid bills or sending pupils home for levies,” he said.
“Our hospitals are mere shells, crippled by a failed healthcare system and hollow promises from the government.”
Gachagua alleged that taxes collected from Kenyans, including payroll deductions, are being mismanaged by politicians rather than directed toward vital public services.
On May 23, 2025, Kindiki defended the initiatives, stating that the economic empowerment engagements for mama mbogas and boda boda riders will not cease anytime soon.
“We are not about to stop the Empowerment Engagement Programme,” he said, adding that those criticising the programme are used to deceiving Kenyans just to get their votes.
“Those criticising the empowerment programme are used to hoodwinking the voters during the campaigns, but disappear when they are voted in.”
He went on to say that as the Kenya Kwanza administration, they have decided not to waste time on politics and channel their focus towards improving the livelihoods and increasing incomes for citizens, in addition to developing the country.
