Mixed Reactions as Didmus Barasa Throws Money to Crowd in Bungoma

A video showing Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa throwing money to a large crowd in Bungoma has resurfaced online, sparking mixed reactions from Kenyans.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 27, in Bokoli, Webuye West, where Barasa addressed residents at a public gathering.

The UDA member of parliament was captured standing atop a vehicle as a large crowd gathered around him.

In the video, Barasa appears to instruct his security team to organise the crowd into orderly lines before he starts throwing money towards them.

“Please, help me with this. Tell them to return to the line,” Barasa says.

He then appears to inspect the arrangement of the crowd before directing those at the front to maintain a straight line.

“Those at the far end are lined properly. So organized, unlike here. Let the first line remain straight,” he says.

Barasa is then seen throwing money into the crowd as people move towards the cash.

“Do not push forward. You, you,” he says, before telling one person to move back.“Go backwards,” Barasa says.

He also directs his security team to control the crowd, telling them to push people back.

“Push them back,” he orders.

At another point, the MP appears to notice someone moving away from the organised crowd.

“Where is that one going?” he asks before continuing to throw money.

Didmus Barasa Later Praises Reception in Webuye West

Following the event, Barasa took to X to praise residents of Bokoli, Webuye West, for what he described as their warm reception and continued support.

“Grateful to the people of Bokoli, Webuye West, for their warm reception this evening and steadfast support. Together, we remain committed to a resilient society built on opportunity and shared prospect,” Barasa wrote.

He also described his political campaign in the area as being driven by purpose and vision.

“Driven by purpose. Guided by vision. Ruthless focus in Webuye West this evening,” he added.

He further claimed that the crowd had spoken with one voice in support of his political vision.

“Ground ni nare. The ground has spoken in one voice. The Tutam vision and mission are clear, compelling, and undeniable,” he wrote.

He also appeared to take a swipe at political opponents, writing,“Watermelon today, chameleon tomorrow- hii iwafikie! Colours may change, but the people’s memory remains clear.”

He ended the post with, “Ni Mwecheche!”

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Video Sparks Debate Online

The resurfaced footage has generated strong reactions online, with some people questioning the practice of throwing money to crowds while others defended Barasa by drawing comparisons with other political activities.

X user Kenyan Vigilante described the video as “disturbing” and alleged that Barasa was using money to attract large crowds and counter the growing influence of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The Don took a harsher position, calling for drastic action against corrupt political leaders and scammers.

“If I become president of Kenya, I would kill all these corrupt political leaders and scammers like Kenyan Prince.”

X user Nos warned that public frustration could eventually lead to mob justice.

“One day, we will reach a point where we start subjecting these thieves to mob justice. It is better to put murram on rural roads than handouts to these useless people.”

Boniface mocked the practice by suggesting that politicians should offer more than cash.

“And let him add a mattress, a pair of shoes, gas and a boat, then vote Olkalau way,” he wrote.

Wycliffe compared the scene to feeding chickens.

“Kenyans have been reduced to chickens. Most likely, stolen public funds are being thrown at humans like maize to chickens.”

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Some Kenyans Question Double Standards

Some online users, however, brought other politicians into the discussion.

Erick questioned whether similar actions involving Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and members of the public were also considered bribery.

“But when Sifuna is being bribed by Mwananchi, it is not a bribe?” Erick asked.

Missy focused on the cultural meaning of throwing money at people.

“In our culture, anyone who throws money at you to pick it up from the ground is the highest level of disrespect you can get. Even a shopkeeper or mama mboga, if you give them money and one coin drops, you pick it up and, if you are in a hurry, you say sorry. People of Bungoma, know your worth,” she wrote.

Yu-Adesele also referenced Sifuna, saying, “Then they will use half of it and send the remaining amount to HE Edwin Watenya Sifuna.”

Otiso Otiso criticised the act, describing it as disrespectful.

“This is the highest level of disrespect in our culture. In fact, when someone does this, you should not even take that money,” he wrote.

The video has continued to fuel debate over political handouts, public rallies and the tactics politicians use to demonstrate their popularity among voters.

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A photo collage of Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa addressing the public in Bokoli Webuye West on July 27
PHOTO/Didmus/X