Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi Speaking during a fundraising event at AIC Kariobangi Church in Machakos town on September 14, 2025. Photo Virginia Siebella 
By Virginia Siebella
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has dismissed State House meetings with various delegations, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of promoting handouts instead of implementing sustainable policies.
Speaking during a fundraising event at AIC Kariobangi Church in Machakos town on Sunday, Mwangangi said the latest gathering of 10,000 teachers at State House was nothing more than a cash-dishing exercise.
“I want to challenge anyone to come out and tell me which country develops by calling delegations to State House and dishing out money,” he posed. “A delegation of 10,000 people each getting Ksh10,000 is a whopping Ksh100 million, and it is happening every day.”
The Deputy Governor accused the Kenya Kwanza government of undermining the education sector, weakening devolution, and perpetuating poor leadership. He claimed that if the administration is allowed to continue in office, Kenya risks ceasing to function as a nation.
Mwangangi also criticized the government’s economic empowerment programs, particularly those targeting bodaboda operators. He alleged that the scheme is exploitative, citing the cost of motorcycle loans advanced to riders.
“We have seen them demand a Ksh5,400 deposit with KCB so that our bodaboda riders can get motorcycles. But once you receive it, every day you must recharge at Ksh100 and repay at Ksh180 for two years. By the time you are done, you will have paid four times the actual cost of the motorbike,” he said.
He further questioned Kenya’s diminishing international standing, noting that the country’s diplomacy rating had fallen below that of neighbors such as Somalia and South Sudan.
“Our diplomacy has deteriorated to embarrassing levels. In 1963, when Kenya attained self-rule, countries like the Asian Tigers came here to learn from us. Today, they are far ahead of us. Even the late President Mwai Kibaki must be saddened by the current state of affairs,” Mwangangi remarked.
He added that the government’s failures were reminiscent of political unrest elsewhere, warning that Kenya is “not very far from what happened in Nepal, where the Prime Minister had to resign following Gen Z protests.”
Mwangangi concluded by urging the national government to prioritize genuine development and good governance over populist handouts, warning that Kenya’s democracy and economy could collapse if reforms are not urgently pursued.
