Caption for the landscape image: How Kenya's handouts politics turned into a monster out of control Saturday, August 08, 2026 Scroll down to read the article Women and young men queue for cash handouts from a politician in Kisumu on July 16, 2022. Politicians have begun campaigns for 2027. Photo credit: File | AFP By Rushdie Oudia & George Odiwuor Article Related Raila Odinga, the veteran politician who died in October 2025, was never known for giving handouts at political rallies. He openly denounced tokenism, castigating leaders who paid youths or women to fill venues, cheer them on or heckle rivals. PREMIUM Ballot for the rich: Alarm over Kenya’s big money elections Billions of shillings, helicopters and wealthy financiers are redefining poll contests as IEBC moves to regulate campaign spending. PREMIUM Handout culture: Politicians woo poor voters with cash during Christmas Over the past week, villages and town centres have been flooded with crowds queuing for festive handouts. Recommended for you PREMIUM Court saves taxpayers Sh120bn in Moi-era supplier claim PREMIUM Why Gachagua’s DCP is not ready to work with Ukombozi coalition PREMIUM Asbestos trap in top schools PREMIUM 'Imperfect is not illegal': Why Housing Levy survived court test Login to join the discussion Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. In the headlines Elections News Counties Business Opinion Sports Life & Style Health Podcasts Photos Newsletters Puzzles PREMIUM How Sankaran is making maths simple for millions of learners Nirmala Sankaran built a platform to help children face math with confidence instead of fear. PREMIUM Auditor-General: Recovery of Sh4bn Uwezo loans unlikely Money had been disbursed to women and youth groups since inception of flagship programme under Vision 2030 growth plan. IEBC expands diaspora voting to 26 countries Commission chairman says mapping of more countries has been approved to boost participation by Kenyans abroad.
PREMIUM Ballot for the rich: Alarm over Kenya’s big money elections Billions of shillings, helicopters and wealthy financiers are redefining poll contests as IEBC moves to regulate campaign spending.
PREMIUM Handout culture: Politicians woo poor voters with cash during Christmas Over the past week, villages and town centres have been flooded with crowds queuing for festive handouts.
PREMIUM How Sankaran is making maths simple for millions of learners Nirmala Sankaran built a platform to help children face math with confidence instead of fear.
PREMIUM Auditor-General: Recovery of Sh4bn Uwezo loans unlikely Money had been disbursed to women and youth groups since inception of flagship programme under Vision 2030 growth plan.
IEBC expands diaspora voting to 26 countries Commission chairman says mapping of more countries has been approved to boost participation by Kenyans abroad.
