Maureen Kori, a youth leader and aspiring MCA from Kirinyaga County, has reportedly been kicked out of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) after accepting funds from the government’s NYOTA youth empowerment programme.
The expulsion follows her attendance at a NYOTA event in Nyeri, led by President William Ruto, where young beneficiaries received financial support aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and addressing youth unemployment.
Kori’s presence at the function immediately drew attention after photos circulated widely on social media, showing her among other youths receiving the NYOTA support, which has been rolled out across multiple Mt Kenya counties.
The DCP, closely associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has been critical of the NYOTA programme, warning members against participating in initiatives linked to the ruling administration.
Critics within the party argued that attending a Ruto-led event and accepting its benefits amounted to political betrayal, especially for a youth leader who had been active in DCP campaigns in Kirinyaga.
Only days earlier, Kori had been involved in DCP activities, including accompanying Gachagua to rallies in Kagio and Mwea, where she addressed residents and reinforced her party alignment.
The move to expel Kori signals growing tensions within the DCP, as party leaders seek to maintain loyalty while navigating a political landscape dominated by Kenya Kwanza allies.
In response to the backlash, Kori defended her attendance on social media, saying she joined the NYOTA event as an unemployed youth seeking financial support and not as a political statement.
She questioned why her presence was singled out, noting that thousands of young people attended the same event hoping to benefit from the NYOTA grants and mentorship programme.
Supporters of Kori argue that her ouster highlights the difficult choices facing young leaders who must balance political loyalty with practical economic needs in their communities.
They contend that access to empowerment opportunities should not be weaponised for political point-scoring, especially when youths are struggling with unemployment and lack of financial resources.
The NYOTA programme itself has faced scrutiny, with debates over the adequacy of grant amounts, transparency in distribution, and perceived political influence in determining beneficiaries.
Despite the criticism, the programme remains popular among youths, many of whom see it as a rare opportunity to start businesses or pursue skills development in a challenging economic climate.
Kori, from Gathigiriri in Mwea, has remained active in grassroots politics and youth mobilization, a factor that some analysts say may have contributed to the DCP’s sensitivity over her participation in the NYOTA event.
Social media posts from party circles suggest that Kori’s relationship with the DCP has irreversibly broken down, although the party has not yet issued an official statement confirming her expulsion.
Her ouster raises broader questions about how political parties in Mt Kenya will manage economic empowerment programmes alongside party loyalty as the 2027 general elections approach.
Observers say the incident reflects a wider trend in the region, where young politicians often face pressure to navigate between government initiatives and allegiance to their party hierarchies.
The situation also underscores the challenges confronting youth leaders in balancing ambition, community service, and political expectations, particularly in counties with high unemployment and limited opportunities.
For many, Kori’s case has become a talking point about the ethics of youth participation in governance programmes, and whether economic necessity should override partisan politics.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether other young leaders affiliated with opposition parties will follow Kori’s path or avoid government programmes to protect political loyalty.
The episode is expected to influence how Mt Kenya parties approach youth engagement, empowerment initiatives, and candidate loyalty ahead of the crucial 2027 election cycle.
It also sparks conversations on the role of political parties in supporting youth economic empowerment while maintaining discipline among members, particularly those seeking elective positions.
Kori’s experience may serve as a cautionary tale for other young aspirants navigating the intersection of politics and economic opportunity in Kenya’s competitive political environment.
