By Victor Maiyo
A political storm is brewing after Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina publicly questioned Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi’s recent donations totaling Ksh145 million, calling out what she described as misplaced priorities by government leaders at a time when the country is grappling with pressing economic challenges.
The donations, made on Friday during an empowerment event in Uasin Gishu County, included high-value items such as 100 motorcycles, two vehicles, 400 sewing machines, 500 car wash machines, maize milling posho mills, milk cans, water tanks, and assorted vending kits. According to MP Sudi, the initiative aimed to uplift the livelihoods of local residents and support grassroots development efforts.
Sudi also presided over a fundraiser that reportedly raised an additional Ksh100 million for community projects, bringing the total value of the donations and pledges to Ksh145 million. He emphasized that the funds did not originate from public coffers, stating they came from his personal resources and contributions from unnamed friends.
However, the magnitude of the donations has triggered criticism and raised eyebrows, with Njeri Maina leading the charge. Taking to social media, the first-term legislator questioned the optics and priorities of such grand gestures, particularly in the face of a struggling education sector and high youth unemployment.
“Ksh145 million donations but free education is where we draw the line,” she posted. “Ksh145 million donations but investing in local manufacturing to create employment opportunities for our young people is where we draw the line.”
Maina’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some Kenyans who are increasingly vocal about the gap between political pageantry and the country’s socioeconomic realities. Critics argue that such public giveaways, while well-meaning, raise questions about transparency, the source of funds, and the long-term sustainability of these empowerment models.
Supporters of MP Sudi, however, have defended his actions, saying he is delivering tangible results for his constituents and helping communities grow self-reliant. “At least someone is doing something,” one Uasin Gishu resident commented online. “The donations are helping families start businesses and earn a living.”
Nonetheless, the debate underscores a growing call for accountability and strategic investment from public leaders, especially as Kenya continues to face inflationary pressures, rising public debt, and underfunded sectors like education and healthcare.
As public scrutiny intensifies, observers will be watching closely to see whether this incident sparks broader reforms around campaign finance, public donations, and the role of personal wealth in politics.
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