Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has once again captured national attention after splashing a hefty Ksh5 million on an energised crowd in Makueni County, only days after stirring excitement with a similar donation during a public event in Kisii.
The unexpected donation came at the close of Kindiki’s address in the modest Kaiti Constituency in Makueni, where he paused to express his desire to offer something tangible to the people before taking his leave.
Building anticipation with the flair of a seasoned performer, Kindiki playfully engaged the crowd, tossing out guesses of Ksh10,000 and Ksh20,000, before gradually raising the figures as cheers swelled — a theatrical crescendo that culminated in the grand announcement that he would be donating Ksh5 million.
He further revealed that Ksh2 million of the amount was a personal contribution, while the remaining Ksh3 million had come directly from President William Ruto — a revelation that sent the crowd into jubilant applause.
“It is as if you already know the figure. Is it fifty thousand? Perhaps one hundred and eighty thousand? No — maybe three hundred thousand? Or four hundred thousand? Should it reach five hundred thousand — even five hundred and thirty thousand? The President has sent me with three million, and I personally have come with two million shillings,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki’s increasingly frequent donations — often made in the name of empowerment — have raised questions about the source of the funds, especially as they follow a discernible pattern.
Just a week earlier, he handed out Ksh2 million to a group in Kisii and attributed an additional Ksh3 million there to President Ruto as well.
Pitching for Ruto
Following the lavish display in Makueni, Kindiki used the platform to appeal to locals, many of whom did not support President Ruto in the 2022 general election, to reconsider their political choices ahead of the 2027 polls.
He stated that the president had specifically instructed him to deliver a message of gratitude to those who voted for him in the region, adding that Ruto is also planning a visit to Makueni in the coming days to engage directly with the community and oversee the implementation of promised development projects.
“I have decided to stop here because this place feels like home. You have welcomed me as one of your own, and I am grateful. The person who authorised me to come here and defend your interests is the president himself. I am asking — would you want him to come here in person to greet you and see the projects I have pledged? To those who voted for him, he says thank you — and to those who supported someone else, if it is possible, perhaps next time you may consider making a different choice,” he said.
Campaign handouts
Speaking in the neighbouring Kitui County on the same day, Kindiki called on politicians to stop using the campaign season to deceive hawkers, boda boda riders, and other informal sector workers with false promises and handouts.
He urged elected leaders to remain accountable and support all Kenyans consistently, not only during elections.
In his address, Kindiki criticised politicians who engage with market vendors and boda boda operators only when elections approach, offering small gifts like aprons and Ksh100 cash to win votes.
“Let us stop waiting for the campaign period to remember hawkers and boda boda riders, only to mislead them with aprons and Ksh100 handouts,” Kindiki said.
He stressed the importance of continuous development efforts beyond election cycles.
Highlighting the government’s initiative to construct over 400 markets nationwide, he noted that four new markets are already under construction in Kitui County.
“Local leaders must identify more sites to help improve livelihoods and create business opportunities,” Kindiki urged.
