Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has sharply criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over what he termed as misplaced priorities and neglect of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Speaking during a radio interview on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Wamalwa said it was disheartening that soldiers were reportedly going without basic necessities such as food, even as the government spends billions on luxury projects and new aircraft.
“Our military is among the most professional in Africa. But when soldiers are being denied lunch, there is a real crisis,” said Wamalwa, who previously served as Defence Cabinet Secretary.
He questioned how the government could justify purchasing new jets worth over Ksh70 billion while active-duty personnel allegedly face shortages in their daily operations.
“It is the first time you are seeing pay-as-you-eat in the military. The same soldier who goes to Kismayu to make us safe is now told, ‘As you fight, feed yourself,’” he lamented.
His remarks echo claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently accused President William Ruto of sending a delegation to Vietnam to procure two executive jets and eight helicopters at a cost exceeding Ksh70 billion.
Gachagua also condemned the administration for prioritising luxury spending while critical sectors such as education and healthcare remain severely underfunded.
“When hospitals have no medicine and schools lack capitation funds, yet billions are used for aircraft, that’s betrayal,” Gachagua stated during a church service in Kirinyaga.
Wamalwa further criticised what he called “cosmetic empowerment programmes,” claiming they serve political patronage rather than genuine development.
“You bring 10,000 teachers and give each Ksh10,000 — how is that empowerment?” he questioned.
The former minister urged the government to focus on essential services such as education, health, and defence welfare instead of engaging in what he described as extravagant and politically motivated spending.
