- Women disrupted a UDA meeting in Kitale after receiving KSh100 instead of the promised KSh1,500
- Some tore the money and burnt UDA-branded t-shirts in protest
- The meeting was linked to the Affordable Housing Project
Drama unfolded in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, after women attending a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting protested over money they were given. The meeting, held on December 16, 2025, was organised to drum up support for the government’s Affordable Housing Project.
According to the women, organisers had promised each attendee KSh1,500. Many turned up after hearing about the payment, hoping it would help cover transport and daily needs.
Things quickly took a turn when the women were handed only KSh100 each. Videos that later circulated online show angry scenes as some women tore the notes in frustration, while others set fire to UDA-branded t-shirts they had received.
Chanting “Wantam”, the women accused the organisers of misleading them. Several complained that the money could not even cover transport costs, with some saying they had left work or home duties to attend the meeting.
UDA is the ruling party under President William Ruto, and the Affordable Housing Project is one of its flagship programmes. The initiative aims to provide low-cost housing and create jobs, but it has also faced criticism, especially over the housing levy imposed on salaries.
Political meetings like this often rely on mobilised crowds, and small payments or allowances are sometimes used to encourage attendance, particularly in rural areas.
By the time the videos went viral, no official statement had been issued by UDA regarding the incident. Local leaders in Trans Nzoia are yet to address the matter publicly.
Online reactions have been mixed. Some Kenyans blamed the organisers for making promises they did not keep. Others argued that people should not expect payment to attend political meetings. A few also noted that destroying currency is illegal, even when done as a form of protest.
Trans Nzoia County, known for maize farming, has a politically active population, and Kitale often becomes a hotspot during political seasons. As the 2027 elections draw closer, parties are increasing grassroots engagements, making such incidents more likely to shape public opinion.
For the women involved, the meeting ended in disappointment. Their protest highlighted deeper frustrations around broken promises and rising living costs, serving as another reminder that political mobilisation without honesty can easily backfire.
