MP Salasya criticises Ruto allies for misleading Kenyans with token gifts, alms

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has questioned the source of millions of shillings dished out to vulnerable groups by Kenya Kwanza coalition leaders through the empowerment programme.

Salasya said President William Ruto should rein in his MPs "bribing Kenyans under the guise of harambees". He said the MPs were deceiving Kenyans through tokenism and alms.

Speaking in Kakamega, the MP said President Ruto's government has failed to address issues affecting Kenyans, especially the high rate of youth unemployment.

He said the president and his team should focus on resuscitating the ailing economy instead of resorting to bribing Kenyans under a controversial empowerment programme.

"President Ruto promised to uplift the lives of ordinary Kenyans and improve the economy, but they are doing exactly the opposite, and right now they are engaging in a fundraising drive which we did not elect them to do," said Salasya.

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He added, "We want ideas, good and working policies and employment, but not moving around the country dishing out stolen money from the public, and as youth, we will not sit back and allow ourselves to see a regime and leaders who have lost direction by mismanaging this country."

The MP urged President Ruto to order his troops to stop sending them to move around the country, splashing millions when the country is being mismanaged.

"I want to tell our president to stop sending his allies to dish out money in the name of empowerment when the country is doing so badly in matters to do with the economy, employment, security, health and education. We will not accept people destroying our country by using our taxes, and that is why I have said come 2027, the voice of reason will prevail under leadership," opined the lawmaker.

Salasya slammed a section of Western leaders who visited the State House this week to beg for a project when the government has failed to fulfil the development it promised the region.

"We have many projects that are stalled, like our roads, Bukhungu Stadium, the level six hospital and many others, and nothing is being done.

"It is so unfortunate that our leaders are quick to make endless trips to the state house in the name of negotiating for development when our Kakamega Airstrip, which needs only Sh100 million for an upgrade, has been closed, and they cannot convince the President to intervene," said Salasya.

Salasya vowed to oppose the new finance bill under review, stating that it is still a burden to Kenyans.

Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, presidential aide Farouk Kibet and other leaders, have been moving around the country conducting fundraising events for various groups, especially women and youths.

Kindiki has defended the move, calling it an economic empowerment programme which aims to boost the informal businesses.