The government has spoken out following public uproar over claims that fake boda bodas were used during President William Ruto’s recent youth empowerment event held at State House, Nairobi.
The highly publicized event was meant to empower young entrepreneurs with tools like motorcycles and equipment to help boost their businesses.
However, shortly after the gathering, several youths went on social media alleging that the motorbikes they posed with during the event were never actually given to them.
Youth Raise Concerns on Social Media
Some of the attendees claimed that the motorcycles displayed at the venue were taken back immediately after the photo sessions.
One of the beneficiaries, who spoke to Citizen TV after his video went viral online, said they were only allowed to take pictures with the motorcycles as proof, and were told that delivery would be done later — but nothing happened.
Another group of 50 youths stated that they had presented a proposal for media equipment and had been promised they would receive them after the event, but this did not happen either.
The young people described the programme as a “hoax,” adding that they felt used for public relations and that many had traveled long distances to attend the event with high expectations.
Government Denies Allegations
In response to the backlash, Dennis Itumbi, who heads the Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, strongly dismissed the claims, insisting that no individual was meant to receive a personal motorcycle.
“Please stop spreading fake news and misinformation. No items were issued to individuals. The plan was to empower 1,150 registered groups, each with ten members,” Itumbi said.
He clarified that only group leaders (chairpersons) were allowed to collect the items on behalf of their members, and emphasized that another similar forum (part two) would be held soon.
“Only the group chairmen were allowed to collect the items. That was the formal process. The misinformation and lies going around are misleading. We’re going ahead with Nairobi Empowerment Season Two,” he explained.
His response comes just a few days after another batch of youths reportedly received boda bodas — a move that some youths who spoke to Citizen TV said was meant to cool down the anger and silence complaints from the first group.
Leaders Defend the Programme
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, who was also mentioned by some of the youths, refuted the allegations.
She said that all the young people who were registered under her received their motorcycles, and added that any cases of non-receipt were very few — likely only one or two people, not the majority.
On the same issue, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed backed Itumbi’s statements by confirming that “A total of 1,100 registered groups from Nairobi submitted their proposals for empowerment projects — all were approved, funded, and all received their items. Each group had 10 members, meaning 11,000 youths were covered.”
He criticised the way Citizen TV covered the story, saying, “They interviewed only two individuals and ignored the actual process. They then used those few people to claim ‘unfulfilled promises’ without verifying facts with State House.”
Ongoing Debate
The matter has caused a lot of debate among the public, with many Kenyans calling for transparency and asking the government to provide a list of groups that actually received the equipment.
On social media, some youths have demanded that the government publish proof of distribution to all registered groups.
The government maintains that everything was done in an orderly and fair manner, while those complaining insist they have been left out despite being used for publicity.
As the discussion continues, many people are waiting to see whether the promised second phase of the empowerment programme will address the complaints and restore public trust.
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