Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda Defends KSh 1,000 Handouts to Constituents
Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda has spoken out in defence of his decision to give cash handouts of one thousand shillings to people in his constituency.
Videos showing him distributing the money recently spread widely on social media, leading to both praise from some residents and strong criticism from others. In response, the MP explained that the practice is not new and forms part of how he supports the community he represents. He addressed the matter directly while speaking to a gathering in the area.
MP Jhanda made it clear that he had been giving out money even before he was elected to Parliament. He said that since 2022, during his early campaign efforts, he used to give five hundred shillings to people as a way of showing appreciation. Now that he holds the position of MP, he has increased the amount to one thousand shillings per person. He told his constituents that the money comes from his own resources, including part of his salary as a Member of Parliament, earnings from his business, and support from friends who back his work in the constituency.
The MP went further by stating that before he won the seat, he had publicly promised the people of Nyaribari Chache that half of his parliamentary salary would go towards supporting them, while the other half would take care of his family. He described the handouts as a way of fulfilling that commitment and investing in the community. Jhanda also urged residents to expect at least one thousand shillings from any other politicians who might visit the area seeking support, adding that the amount in Nyaribari Chache has now gone up.
While many local people welcomed the gesture and saw it as a sign of the MP’s generosity, the move has drawn criticism from political opponents and some civil society groups. Critics have raised concerns that such cash distributions could influence voters ahead of future elections and might not address the deeper needs of the constituency. In his defence, MP Jhanda said those complaining are simply unhappy with his approach and insisted that the money belongs to the people who gave him the responsibility to represent them. He also noted that he has not yet started any formal campaign for the 2027 elections.
This development has sparked fresh discussion about the role of cash support in Kenyan politics at the constituency level. Supporters view it as direct help from an MP who is keeping his word, while others worry it shifts attention away from long-term development projects. As the conversation continues, many are watching to see how this approach affects relationships within Nyaribari Chache and the broader political environment in the region.
