Things turned heated at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on December 24, 2025. Members of Bunge la Wananchi gathered as usual for their public debates. But the talk quickly shifted to money. Some accused popular speaker Omosh One Hour and a few others of mishandling KSh 1 million gifted by President William Ruto.
The gift came just a day earlier. On December 23, Raila Odinga’s aide, Oketch Salah, showed up at the grounds. He handed over a Christmas hamper worth KSh 1 million from the president.
Salah said it was meant to show support for the group and the holiday spirit. Omosh, whose real name is Shadrack Omondi Orwa, spoke up then. He thanked Ruto and called it recognition for grassroots voices.
Members seemed happy at first. Videos from that day show cheers and positive comments. Omosh praised the move as help for community platforms. Bunge la Wananchi has met at Jacaranda for years. It’s a spot in Embakasi where people discuss politics freely. The group has branches elsewhere, but this one in Nairobi stays active.
By the next morning, the mood had changed. Some members started asking questions. Where did the money go? Who controls it? A few pointed fingers at Omosh and close associates.
They claimed the funds vanished overnight. Shouts broke out during the session. People wanted accounts. No one from the accused side gave clear answers right away.
Police kept watch from a distance. No arrests happened. But the arguments went on for hours. Phones recorded everything. Clips spread fast on social media. Some show members are demanding transparency. Others defend Omosh, saying the gift was for the whole group.
Bunge la Wananchi works without formal structure sometimes. Leaders emerge from debates. Money issues have come up before in similar groups. This time, the amount is big. KSh 1 million can buy food, help members, or fund events.
Omosh has been in the spotlight a lot this year. He shifted from strong opposition views to supporting the government. Some link that to meetings with Ruto and small cash gifts earlier. Critics say he benefits personally now. Supporters argue he just sees positive changes.
The president often gives out donations during holidays. This one went through Salah because of ties between ODM and the government. It fits a pattern of reaching informal groups.
For now, the group looks split. Some want an audit or meeting to sort it. Others say let it go and focus on bigger issues. Jacaranda sessions usually draw crowds from nearby estates. Today felt different. Trust took a hit.
No official statement yet from Omosh or Salah. The grounds cleared out later than usual. People left talking about accountability. In a place built on open talk, money questions hit hard. This story might drag on into the new year.
