Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda responded to backlash on Monday, November 25, after a video showing him handing out Ksh200 notes to residents went viral.
The video, which captured residents clapping in appreciation, quickly drew criticism, with some accusing the lawmaker of using handouts to win votes.
Critics, including some online users, questioned the ethics of such actions, with one commenting,
“A whole professor of law giving Ksh200 to his electorate… why allow politicians to treat us as beggars?”
In response to the growing criticism, Ojienda defended his actions on social media, clarifying that the handouts were an act of generosity and not tied to any political agenda.
“I remain a professor of law,” he stated, emphasizing that the gesture was a normal part of his visits to the county.
The senator further explained that he often gave small tokens of appreciation to residents and that this was part of his style of interacting with his constituents.
“A little generosity doesn’t hurt,” he said, dismissing claims that it was an attempt to manipulate voters.
