Senator Ojienda Responds to Viral Clip Amid Bribery Allegations
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has strongly denied allegations of bribery after a viral video showed him handing out cash to county residents, a move that drew mixed reactions from Kenyans.
The video, which surfaced on social media, captured the senator distributing Ksh200 notes to a group of residents who clapped and cheered in appreciation. However, critics were quick to accuse the lawmaker of attempting to buy goodwill through handouts, with some suggesting the act undermined his stature as a professor of law.
“Just look at Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, a whole professor of law giving a handout of Ksh200 to his electorates, and people are celebrating and clapping for him. Like seriously? Why allow politicians to treat us as beggars?” one Kenyan wrote online.
Another critic added, “This is professional misconduct. Professor, handouts by politicians are often unethical due to potential bribery, dependency creation, and unfair political advantage.”
In response to the growing backlash, Senator Ojienda took to his social media platforms to defend his actions. He dismissed claims that the gesture was politically motivated, emphasizing that it was a personal act of generosity unlinked to any political strategy.
“A little generosity doesn’t hurt. If you are mean, as your bile suggests, then keep that to yourself. I choose to give. This has nothing to do with politics. I am only greeting my people in my usual style,” Ojienda posted.
The senator reiterated that he frequently shares handouts as a way of showing appreciation during his visits to the county, framing it as a cultural norm rather than a calculated political move. “I remain a professor of law,” he added firmly.
This incident comes amid national conversations about integrity in leadership and governance. President William Ruto, during a recent State of the Nation address, criticized lawmakers for undermining efforts to combat corruption, particularly by delaying the passage of the Conflict of Interest Bill.
“It is also unacceptable for the House of Parliament to deny the nation the much-needed instrument in the war against corruption by continually sabotaging the Conflict of Interest Bill,” President Ruto stated.
While Ojienda has sought to distance his actions from political bribery, the episode has reignited debates about the ethical responsibilities of leaders and the optics of their interactions with constituents.
In Other News: Haiti’s ‘Barbecue’ Escapes As Kenyan Officers Flatten His Base
Senator Ojienda Responds to Viral Clip Amid Bribery Allegations
