The Power of Handouts — and How to Beat the Game

By Ruzeki | Shadoww News | August 16, 2025

In Kenya, handouts are the oldest trick in the political playbook. When promises collapse and delivery stalls, politicians reach for the one tool that never fails: cash.

During campaigns, they parade through towns and villages, stuffing crumpled notes into the hands of desperate voters. The going rate? Between 50 and 1000 shillings. It’s cheap politics, but it works — because hunger, poverty, and broken systems make voters easy targets.

“When you can’t deliver on promises, you buy your way into power. The current regime is perfecting on this tactic.”

Today, the handouts game has evolved. Leaders are no longer handing out coins under the cover of night — they’re packaging it as ‘empowerment programs,’ ‘development funds,’ or ‘hustler initiatives.’ Whether it’s 64 shillings or 2000 shillings, it’s the same poison, just dressed up in a new bottle.

So how do we beat the game?

By flipping the script. Take the money — because after all, it’s your money being recycled back to you. But when you step into that ballot booth, vote with your conscience, not your stomach. Handouts can feed you for a day, but your vote can secure your future for five years.

Challenge to my Followers: Normalize eating politicians’ handouts without letting them buy your loyalty. Accept the bribe if you must — but when it matters most, cast your vote for leaders who will actually fight for you. Sema WanTam!