Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has strongly defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s ongoing economic empowerment initiatives, dismissing critics as lacking innovation and vision.
Speaking during a live interview on K24 TV on Monday, Ruku praised the programmes, describing them as timely and beneficial to small-scale traders across the country. According to Ruku, the empowerment drive is part of Kindiki’s broader vision to uplift communities through grassroots economic development.
“The empowerment programme is led by Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the Deputy President, a man who will one day be the President. He is extremely diligent and committed to this country,” Ruku said. “Anyone suggesting the funds come from questionable sources is not very innovative and doesn’t think outside the box.”
Ruku clarified that the financial support being distributed under these initiatives does not originate from government coffers. Instead, he said the funds come from Kindiki’s network of personal friends and well-wishers, cultivated over the years through his roles as a lawyer, professor, senator, and cabinet secretary.
“It is possible to bring people together. The source of the funds is from the people. You have friends. It’s not from any government coffers,” Ruku emphasized.
His remarks came just a day after DP Kindiki reaffirmed his commitment to the empowerment efforts. Speaking in Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki criticized opponents of the programme, accusing them of lacking empathy for small business owners.
He also introduced the upcoming NYOTA Programme, which aims to offer Sh50,000 in seed capital to 70 businesses in every ward across the country. The initiative is designed to help micro-enterprises expand and become sustainable income sources.
“What wrong are we making as leaders when we come here and give the little money that we have as we wait for the NYOTA Programme to begin?” Kindiki asked.
He further dismissed claims that he was undermining President William Ruto, affirming that his role is to support the President’s development agenda not engage in political wrangles.
“My job is to assist him in having roads built, electricity connected, and water supplied to households,” Kindiki stated.
