Former Kibwezi West parliamentary aspirant James Kimanthi Mbaluka Speaking at Emali when he attended the burial of 33 year old Garshon Mutisya who was shot at killed by the police during the last Gen Z Protests in Emali. Photo Courtesy 
By Andrew Mbuva
Former Kibwezi West parliamentary aspirant James Kimanthi Mbaluka has launched a scathing attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of betraying the promises made to Kenyans during the 2022 General Elections.
Speaking at Emali when he attended the burial of 33 year old Garshon Mutisya who was shot at killed by the police during the last Gen Z Protests in Emali, Mbaluka, who contested under the UDA ticket but lost to Mwengi Mutuse of Maendeleo Chap Chap, expressed disappointment with what he termed as "mock empowerment programs" being rolled out by the government.
“This is not what we promised,” said a visibly agitated Mbaluka. “What we see now – our mothers being given 64 shillings and boda boda riders receiving 100 shillings – is a mockery. It is a total deviation from the real empowerment we talked about during campaigns.”
He pointed to tangible examples from his own past efforts, saying, “I personally empowered women and youth groups. This very tent under which we’re gathered today is a product of such initiatives. Now the government gives out coins and calls it empowerment. How will 64 shillings change anyone’s life?”
Mbaluka further accused Kenya Kwanza leaders of dishonesty and deceit. “You cannot bribe God, and you cannot con the people forever,” he warned. “We have now decided to step out and tell the people the truth.”
In a sharp rebuke to leaders from the region who have aligned themselves with the government, Mbaluka did not spare those he believes have betrayed the trust of the Kamba community.
“It is very unfortunate that even, Raila Odinga, the one whom the Kamba community overwhelmingly supported turned around and went to bed with the government. We must be very sorry to ourselves for these two unfortunate choices. There is no future in continually voting for liars and conmen.”
Mbaluka challenged voters in Kibwezi West to take responsibility for their past decisions and resolve to chart a new course. “Call yourselves to a meeting and say sorry to yourselves,” he told them. “We must start making wise electoral decisions.”
He lamented the recent killing of Garshon Mutisya, a young man shot by police during the Gen Z protests. “If only we had voted wisely, we might not be mourning Garshon today.”
Mbaluka’s remarks have added fuel to the growing public discourse on the credibility and effectiveness of Kenya Kwanza’s grassroots empowerment agenda, raising questions about whether the ruling coalition is keeping its campaign promises.
