Zaheer Jhanda explains why he gives cash to constituents after meetings

Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda defended his practice of giving cash to constituents after political meetings during a TV interview on September 10th. Jhanda explained that the money was intended to help residents who travel long distances to attend his political engagements. As an MP with a salary and running a business, he had the financial resources to support his constituents, he stated.

Jhanda argued that Kenyans desired development and acknowledged that people also desired financial support. He questioned why residents should attend meetings, listen to political leaders, and then return home without any financial assistance. The politician emphasized that the practice aimed to cover the expenses incurred by people travelling to his meetings from remote parts of the constituency.

His comments come amid ongoing debates over politicians giving cash, food, and other items to attendees of political meetings and rallies. Some politicians describe such assistance as facilitation, empowerment, or appreciation for residents attending their events, while critics argue it can shift focus away from policy discussions and development programs.

Good governance advocate Willis Otieno criticized political handouts in a July 2026 post, stating that efforts to combat poverty should focus on creating sustainable income-generating opportunities rather than handouts. He called for stronger institutions, infrastructure, credit access, education, and policy predictability to build structures that eliminate poverty.

Jhanda's defense of his practice places the issue of political facilitation at the center of his interactions with constituents, particularly those who travel long distances to attend his meetings. He insisted that providing financial assistance should not automatically be seen as a means of influencing voters' political choices. This explanation comes as politicians gear up for the 2027 General Elections, with constituency meetings playing a role in their voter engagement efforts.