A political storm is brewing in Nyeri County, Kenya, between allies of President William Ruto and supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over ongoing empowerment forums.

• These forums face criticism for allegedly providing beneficiaries with as little as Sh600, raising doubts about their economic impact.
• Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami and Senator Wahome Wamatinga are among the Ruto allies defending the initiatives, claiming they aim to ensure residents benefit from government projects.
• Conversely, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia has dismissed the forums as "cheap public stunts," arguing they are "worthless" and fail to deliver meaningful development.