Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sports, Gender and Social Welfare Rita Ndunge is under fire after a video showed her handing out sweets to residents.
The clip comes as politics heats up ahead of the 2027 General Election. Ndunge declared months ago that she will vie for the Machakos woman representative seat.
What the video shows
In the footage, Ndunge distributes sweets while some young people call on her to address them.
“Kiongozi, ambia vijana kitu [Leader, tell the youth something],” some are heard saying.
She keeps handing out the sweets. One young man voices his frustration.
“Anapeana sweets, namwambia aongee na vijana anakataa [She is giving out sweets; I tell her to speak to the youth and she refuses],” he says.
“Kiongozi, enda home, vijana wamechoka na hiyo mchezo.” [Leader, go home, the youth are tired of this game.]
What kinds of handouts are on offer?
Handouts have long been part of Kenyan politics, and they rarely look the same twice. Handouts take many forms.
Cash is the most visible form, with politicians asking crowds to queue for handouts of Sh200 to Sh1,000 each. Food and small items are common too, from chapatis served out of a bucket and lollipops to branded matchboxes and underwear.
Larger gifts also appear, such as government-branded mattresses, gas cylinders and boreholes offered ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election.
Some leaders also use church donations and community fundraisers as a way of giving.
Kenyans react
Many users questioned whether leaders take young people seriously. Some said small handouts are replacing real answers.
“Tropical surely? wah, ni mbaya,” wrote @peteroc41.
“What is wrong with our cousins in Ukambani? Seriously, tropical sweets,” said mkenya005.
Others blamed wider problems. “The youths are sick! I blame the adults and poverty,” wrote M9188Joan.
@Dennokim: mnapewa sweets na mnakubali?? why don’t you refuse bribes in the first place
“Other counties are being wooed with roads and better infrastructure, Machakos wanapewa switi.” — @Gilead_1
The online response also shows how closely voters are now watching campaign tactics as the 2027 elections approach.
Growing numbers of young Kenyans are speaking up about jobs, money worries and development. The episode has reopened the question of whether token gestures can tackle the problems ordinary people face.
