Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda has detailed the extent of cash handouts he regularly distributes to constituents in his electoral area.
Speaking during an interview on the Obinna Show Live podcast, the lawmaker defended his practice of giving financial support to residents and organized groups.
He stated that his financial assistance ranges from small individual payments to large sums for local associations.
Cash Distribution and Minimum Handouts
During the podcast, Mr Jhanda explained that he routinely hands out money to constituents when visiting the area. He noted that individual payouts vary depending on the situation, ranging from 500 shillings to 5,000 shillings. However, he emphasized that he maintains a strict floor on individual payments.
“You know in these years, people have been giving out money ranging between Ksh 50 bob. For me, I have raised the bar. I usually give out Ksh 1,000 and sometimes Ksh 5,000 but not less that Ksh 500. It depends with the situation and where you are at the time,” he said.
The MP outlined that money is also given to structured groups, such as motorcycle taxi operators. He recounted instances where he provided one million shillings directly to local boda boda operators.
"There is a difference between handouts and giving people money,” he defended his campaign model.
He further stated that political activity in Kenya requires substantial capital. He remarked that running politics without money is like driving a car without fuel.
Rising Campaign Budgets and Sports Funding
Mr Jhanda disclosed a significant increase in his political spending over successive election cycles. He stated that he spent approximately 5 million shillings during his 2013 parliamentary campaign.
That figure rose to between 37 million and 40 million shillings in 2017. By the 2022 election, his campaign expenditure exceeded 100 million shillings.
"My budget for election 2027 is 300 million. That money is somewhere, just chilling.”
Beyond direct cash gifts, Mr Jhanda finances an annual constituency sports tournament with a prize budget of 5 million shillings. Winning teams receive up to 2.5 million shillings, which is shared among players.
During the live podcast broadcast, Mr Jhanda also pledged 50,000 shillings to be shared among 50 viewers who submitted their phone numbers.
Personal Background and Local Infrastructure
Born and raised in Kisii, Mr Jhanda noted that his parents moved to the region from Nairobi in the 1960s to operate a spare parts business.
He mentioned owning over 20 vehicles, including a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon G63 and several utility vehicles used for constituency work.
