Kalonzo Tells Off Ruto for Killing Devolution as He Champions Youth Empowerment in Machakos

By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI

The Country Diary News

November 4, 2025 Machakos

Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto’s administration of crippling devolution through centralized control and resource cuts that weaken counties. He said this while presiding over the graduation of 1,000 youths under the Machakos County Youth Empowerment Programme, an initiative that has equipped young people with technical and entrepreneurial skills.

Kalonzo emphasized that devolution remains Kenya’s greatest transformation since independence and a key driver of equality and opportunity. He said when county governments invest in young people, communities thrive and lives are transformed. He praised Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti for investing in youth development and described the programme as a model of how counties can create jobs and drive innovation when properly supported.

The former vice president urged graduates to take charge of their destiny and become active agents of change. He reminded them that the country’s progress depends on the creativity and determination of its young population, not on empty political promises. He said Kenya’s future will be built in counties like Machakos through innovation, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, not in boardrooms in Nairobi.

Kalonzo further called for the renaming of the Machakos Youth Empowerment Programme to the Rex Masai Empowerment Programme, in memory of Rex Kanyike Masai, who was killed during the 2024 Finance Bill protests. He said Rex’s sacrifice inspired a generation that demanded justice, accountability, and fairness.

The event showcased the impact of devolution in transforming lives through practical training and empowerment. It also reaffirmed the need for strengthened county leadership and equitable resource sharing to sustain Kenya’s development.

The graduates were urged to apply their skills to create jobs, support innovation, and help drive transformation across all sectors of the economy.

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