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 Drone strikes stall two fuel tankers bound for Kenya PREMIUM Family’s Russia hope shattered by DNA confirmation of Shakahola death PREMIUM Civil servants face vetting over Sh6.2bn payroll fraud PREMIUM The Coast question: Who will inherit Raila’s loyal base? 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 Civil servants face vetting over Sh6.2bn payroll fraud State renews push to identify irregular recruitment and weaknesses in management of public funds. PREMIUM Machetes, extortion and fear: Inside Homa Bay’s gang crisis Local business operators bore the brunt of the lawlessness. PREMIUM Mosiria exposes bitter fallout with Sakaja Nairobi County Chief Officer declares intention to challenge Governor Sakaja in 2027.
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 Civil servants face vetting over Sh6.2bn payroll fraud State renews push to identify irregular recruitment and weaknesses in management of public funds.
PREMIUM Machetes, extortion and fear: Inside Homa Bay’s gang crisis Local business operators bore the brunt of the lawlessness.
PREMIUM Mosiria exposes bitter fallout with Sakaja Nairobi County Chief Officer declares intention to challenge Governor Sakaja in 2027.
