Thousands of residents and dozens of groups in Kapsaret Constituency, Uasin Gishu, got a major economic boost as goods worth Ksh.45 million were handed out in a grassroots empowerment drive, alongside a record Ksh.100 million fundraiser for local development.

It was a show of might and goodwill where 100 motorcycles, two vehicles, 400 sewing machines, 500 car wash machines, maize milling posho mills, milk cans, water tanks, egg and sausage vending kits, and deep fryers for fries, among others were issued.

All were handed out for free to residents of Kapsaret constituency under an economic empowerment initiative championed by MP Sudi.

Sudi made it clear that the Ksh.45 million spent came from his pocket and friends’ contributions, not a single cent from government coffers.

"I’ve seen people spreading lies online. Let me be clear — not a coin from the government is here. This is from my friends and me,” Sudi said.

Amid cheers, song and dance, thousands turned up to collect tools and machines they say will uplift their lives, in line with the bottom-up economic model.

Leaders present hit out at critics of grassroots development projects, insisting that Kenya Kwanza’s mission is to economically empower ordinary Kenyans.

"I see women, youth, and the elderly benefitting here. Others are just making noise,” Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe said.

While praise was heaped on President William Ruto, the political jabs flew thick and fast at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accused of promoting tribal politics and undermining development.

"Ati pesa inatoka kwa William Ruto ndio watu wapewe empowerment. Wewe Wamunyoro, kwa wakati ulikuwa kwa uongozi onyesha hata project moja ulifanya. Wewe potea pekee yako,” Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina stated.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, on his part, said, “To those trying to divide Kenyans along tribal lines in the name of empowerment — we declare, Satan is defeated!"

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi added: "William Ruto is a different leader. He’s the only one who’s managed to run a government while dealing with opposition."

The same empowerment script played out in Machakos town, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led a fundraiser raising Ksh.2.5 million for locals.

"I urge leaders to respect each other and avoid tribal politics. Unity is not slavery. No one should look down on another. Kenya must remain united,” Kindiki said.

Meanwhile, in Mwingi West, Kitui — at a women’s empowerment forum — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula contributed Ksh.3 million, cautioning against the growing trend of public insults and divisive politics.

"Let’s tone down the insults and hatred. If you want to be President, you must respect those in office now. Insult them, and you’ll be insulted too,” Wetangula said.

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Even as cash and goodies flow, questions continue to swirl about the legitimacy of the funding sources. Still, the Kenya Kwanza government maintains it won’t stop until every corner of the country benefits.

The empowerment drive targets groups like mama mbogas, boda boda riders, carpenters, shoe shiners, and small traders — the real drivers of Kenya’s grassroots economy.