Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure has clarified that the party does not support state-led empowerment programmes, describing them as unconstitutional and a threat to devolution.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, McOure said such initiatives amount to executive overreach into county functions, which are constitutionally protected. He argued that while the programmes are often presented as efforts to uplift citizens, they end up centralising power and weakening county governance.
“Political parties are complex, but our position on empowerment programmes is clear. They encroach on county functions and weaken local governance structures,” McOure said.
He explained that the Constitution mandates counties to manage resources, set development priorities, and deliver services directly to their residents. When the national government bypasses these systems, it not only undermines local autonomy but also reduces accountability from elected county officials.
“The executive may have good intentions, but when programmes meant for counties are handled centrally, it sends the wrong signal that local governments are not capable,” he added.
McOure warned that such executive interference could deepen political divisions and erode public trust between national and county governments. He urged for greater collaboration to ensure that development initiatives are transparent, efficient, and respect devolution.
The ODM youth leader clarified that the party’s opposition is not against empowering citizens but about protecting the integrity of the Constitution. Empowerment, he stressed, should be channelled through county structures to ensure sustainability and accountability.
The controversial empowerment drives, mainly spearheaded by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have also drawn criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, who have labelled them as deceptive and politically motivated.
McOure concluded that true empowerment must strengthen—not weaken—county institutions that serve citizens directly.
