Sudi Shakes Kapseret with Sh145M Donations: Questions Emerge Over Funding as Gachagua Fires Back
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi stunned his constituents with a jaw-dropping Sh145 million empowerment drive that lit up the region — and raised eyebrows across the nation. From motorcycles to milling machines, Sudi’s mega donations blended generosity with political theatrics, leaving many to wonder: where did all that money come from?
Accompanied by Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and several other MPs, Sudi arrived to fanfare as residents gathered in large numbers to receive goods — with cameras capturing every moment.
Source of Funds
Anticipating scrutiny over the source of the staggering amount, Sudi was quick to clarify:
“I’ve seen people spreading lies online. Let me be clear — not a coin from the government is here. This is from my friends and me,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of sustainable empowerment:
“True empowerment lies not in providing temporary handouts, but in equipping individuals with the skills and tools they need to sustain themselves. Lasting progress is achieved through education, opportunity, and self-reliance.”
High-Value Donations
The initiative saw the distribution of over 100 motorcycles, two vehicles, 400 sewing machines, and 500 car wash machines, along with posho mills, milk cans, water tanks, egg and sausage vending kits, and deep fryers — all intended to boost small businesses and promote self-employment.
Leaders present used the moment to champion the initiative and rebuke critics.
“I see women, youth, and the elderly benefiting here. Others are just making noise,” said Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe.
“Ati pesa inatoka kwa William Ruto ndio watu wapewe empowerment. Wewe Wamunyoro, kwa wakati ulikuwa kwa uongozi onyesha hata project moja ulifanya. Wewe potea pekee yako,” added Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina.
Sudi also presided over a local fundraiser that astonishingly raised Sh100 million in just minutes — a show of financial might that deepened public curiosity.
A Return to Big Giving?
The massive donations have reignited a national debate. Just a year ago, Kenyans staged anti-government protests, one of their grievances being hefty political donations at public events — often suspected to be funded by graft.
In response, President William Ruto announced a ban on harambees, particularly in churches. However, scenes like Sudi’s suggest a quiet return of the same culture under a new guise.
Gachagua’s Reaction
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), took issue with what he termed as selective empowerment.
“Hapa Ukambani na pale kwetu kwa Mlima anatuma mtu wa soprano, pelekea watu 500 wakunywe pombe na maharagwe. Pale kwake tumeona leo ametuma mtu ya soprano pelekea vijana bodaboda, pelekea posho mill, mtungi ya maziwa, cherehani, vitu ya maana,” Gachagua said.
He made the remarks while touring towns including Malili, Salama, Sultan Hamud, Emali, Makindu, and Mtito Andei, alongside Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa.
As Gachagua’s tour rolled through Ukambani towns, so did his message: true empowerment must cut across all regions — not just the Rift. Whether Sudi’s mega giveaway marks a genuine uplift or a well-orchestrated political show remains the burning question on Kenyans’ lips.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
