As the race to the 2027 General Election gains momentum, Kenya Kwanza politicians have intensified their grassroots mobilization, disbursing over Sh20 million in what they termed as an empowerment initiative for youth and women across Nakuru and Baringo counties.
Led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, more than 20 elected leaders embarked on a high-profile political tour in the Rift Valley region, clearly signaling the start of President William Ruto’s re-election campaign.
In Njoro, Nakuru County, Kindiki addressed hundreds of residents, tying the donations to President Ruto’s second-term bid.
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“President William Ruto has sent me with greetings. Do you want to know what the greetings are about?” Kindiki asked, prompting the crowd to respond in unison: “Two-term!”
Kindiki then announced that Ruto had donated Sh3 million for the empowerment program and personally added Sh1.2 million. He challenged other leaders to chip in—and they did.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika initially contributed Sh500,000 but was nudged by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to add another Sh200,000. Ichung’wah himself gave Sh500,000 and even rewarded enthusiastic supporters with cash handouts, including Sh2,000 to a woman who chanted “two-term” loudly.
Njoro MP Charity Kathambi gave Sh300,000, while nominated MP Sabina Chege added Sh100,000, plus Sh1,000 each to several residents who danced with her. Bahati MP Irene Njoki also gave Sh100,000, awarding Sh1,000 each to ten dancers.
Molo MP Kimani Kuria donated Sh200,000 and an additional Sh7,000 to a stage dancer. Other leaders who contributed included Nakuru East MP David Gikaria (Sh100,000), Uriri MP Mark Nyamita (Sh100,000), Nakuru Woman Rep Liza Chelule (Sh200,000), and former Gender CS Aisha Jumwa (Sh100,000 and bonuses to dancers).
By the close of the Njoro event, the total funds disbursed had surpassed Sh10 million.
Earlier in the day, a similar political rally was held in Kabarnet, Baringo Central, where Kindiki announced another Sh3 million from President Ruto and an additional Sh1.2 million from his own pocket.
MPs from the region also contributed various amounts between Sh100,000 and Sh500,000, pushing the total raised in Baringo to more than Sh10.2 million.
While Kindiki highlighted government achievements such as the employment of 70,000 teachers and the revival of the Kazi Mtaani program under a new climate-resilience model, the rallies were largely dominated by “two-term” chants in support of President Ruto.
The Kenya Kwanza caravan is scheduled to continue on Saturday with another rally in Molo, as the alliance seeks to firm up its Rift Valley base ahead of 2027.