Kenya, July 4 -- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced a Ksh3 million donation from President William Ruto to Mwatate residents in Taita Taveta County, prompted by their enthusiastic chants of "Two Term" during a public event.

Now it gives a new Ruto strategy to bolster support in regions critical to his 2027 re-election bid.

The donation, aimed at empowering local traders and youth, has sparked both applause and doubts, with critics questioning the motives behind such high-profile cash handouts amid Kenya's economic challenges.

The event in Mwatate followed Kindiki's unveiling of a Sh13 billion development package for Taveta, including the Sh9.4 billion Taveta-Njukini-Chala-Rombo-Ilasit Road and Sh2.2 billion for 1,000 affordable housing units.

Kindiki, addressing a jubilant crowd, framed the Ksh3 million as a token of Ruto's gratitude for their support, specifically referencing their "Two Term" chant endorsing Ruto's second-term ambition.

"The President has sent me with Ksh3 million to support your initiatives," Kindiki declared, as reported by Capital News, emphasising projects like modern markets in Mwatate, Voi, and Wundanyi to uplift mama mboga and small-scale traders.

He also highlighted Sh 767 million allocated for last-mile electricity connectivity, targeting 3,700 households in Taita Taveta.

"Handouts won't fix systemic issues like unemployment or debt," a villager remarked, echoing concerns raised by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who compared such initiatives to the discredited YK'92 campaign, alleging they entrench tokenism.

Critics also point to the timing, with Kenya facing a fiscal crisis and public discontent over projects like the Sh1.2 billion State House church.

Kindiki's donation aligns with a pattern of generous contributions, including Ksh5 million in Makueni and Ksh2 million in Kisii, often paired with Ksh3 million from Ruto.

These efforts, part of the Nyota empowerment scheme offering Ksh50,000 grants to 70 businesses per ward, aim to boost small-scale enterprises but have drawn scrutiny over funding sources.

Kindiki has defended the initiatives, dismissing claims of political bribery and asserting that his wealth stems from his law practice, not public funds.

However, opposition figures like Robert Mbui argue these handouts lack transparency and serve as vote-buying tactics ahead of 2027.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.