The government has moved to dismiss growing doubts about President William Ruto’s recent youth empowerment programme, insisting that thousands of young people indeed received motorbikes and business tools during the highly publicised Nairobi event.
Speaking on Saturday, August 16, 2025, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed reaffirmed that 11,000 youths from 1,100 registered groups benefited from the initiative, which was billed as a milestone in job creation and economic empowerment.
Govt Stands Its Ground
Hussein explained that each group had 10 members, with proposals submitted and approved through a structured process.
“Every group was funded and delivered their projects in an orderly manner.
That’s 11,000 people in total,” he said, stressing that isolated complaints should not overshadow the bigger picture.
His remarks came after two young men, Dickens Kamau Odhiambo and Collins Otwalo, claimed they left the event without the promised boda bodas.
Bodabodas arranged outside a facility in State House. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook.
Their statements, which went viral on social media, sparked fresh debate over whether the government had delivered on its promise.
Hussein, however, dismissed their claims as misleading. “Their curious formula suggests that two voices outweigh 11,000 recipients. That equals unfulfilled promises. Unbelievable!” he remarked, adding that such stories only prove how easily narratives can be twisted.
Youth Speak Out
But for Odhiambo, better known online as Kamau wa Kisumu, the story remains personal. He said he posed with a motorbike during the event, only to be told it would be delivered later. Weeks on, he claims the bike never arrived. Odhiambo further alleged that he has been receiving anonymous calls warning him to retract his video, which questioned the government’s promise.
“I want Kenyans to know my life is in danger,” he said, maintaining that speaking out was the only way to protect himself.
Mixed Reactions
Meanwhile, nominated senator Karen Nyamu has defended the programme, insisting that all the youth she mobilised to attend the event received motorbikes. The conflicting narratives now leave Kenyans wondering—who is fooling who?
