Bonchari’s underwear battle: Campaign freebies ignite political firestorm

A political battle erupted in Bonchari when women's underwear, donated by aspiring MP Donya Toto, sparked heated debates among rival political factions ahead of the 2027 elections. The women who received the donation at a rally at Nyangoge Primary School initially assumed it would be a routine campaign event, featuring speeches, handshakes, and promises.

However, the gesture has evolved into a political flashpoint, with Toto's opponents accusing her of lowering campaign standards by providing handouts instead of detailed policies and development plans. Toto, the incumbent Kisii Woman Representative, is attempting to expand her political reach to Bonchari, aiming to unseat the current MP, Dr. Charles Onchoke.

Other aspirants, including Engineer Joshua Maragia and prominent criminal lawyer Cliff Ombeta, have also joined the race.

While some women defended the gesture, stating that it was a practical gift and that women needed such items, others criticized the controversy as trivial. Critics argued that the donation risked blurring the line between campaign generosity and voter inducement, emphasizing that voters deserved substantive ideas, development plans, and economic opportunities rather than personal items.

Similar criticism emerged from Zachary Onduso, an MP aspirant in neighboring Bomachoge Borabu. Nonetheless, not all women agreed with the critics; some supported Toto's initiative, arguing that women should not be ashamed of receiving something they use daily. Gladys Ayega, who attended the event, urged leaders to focus on tangible benefits for constituents, such as job creation, improved infrastructure, and support for businesses, rather than temporary gifts.

The controversy was further complicated by a separate political issue involving the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) recruitment process, where aspirants Moraa Kebaso and Bouse Mairura questioned the fairness of the allocation of teaching positions. Mairura alleged that some appointments were being influenced by political patronage, threatening the merit and professionalism in Kenya's education sector.

Kebaso questioned the ethnic composition of recently appointed Kenya Defence Forces officers, raising concerns about regional representation in the country's security institutions. Both aspirants demanded accountability and an end to political patronage in public employment, emphasizing that government institutions should prioritize merit, fairness, and equal opportunity over political loyalty.