Kitale residents burn UDA T-shirts over unpaid housing project cash after women and youths attending a mobilisation event in Trans-Nzoia County expressed fury when organisers disbursed only Sh100 instead of the promised Sh1,500 per participant.
Videos captured on Tuesday show dozens of attendees, mostly mothers and young people from low-income estates, ripping yellow United Democratic Alliance branded shirts before setting them ablaze in small piles along the roadside. The gathering aimed to promote President William Ruto’s Affordable Housing Programme, with speakers highlighting job opportunities and low-cost units under construction nationwide.
Chants of rejection filled the air as participants turned against the party’s “Tutam” slogan, a rallying cry used during campaigns to signify unwavering support. Some women waved torn fabric, while others demanded full payment, accusing the organisers of exploiting their time and transport costs for political gain.
Local youth leader Mercy Chepkorir told reporters many travelled from surrounding villages expecting the advertised incentive to cover daily needs amid rising living expenses. “We came in good faith to learn about housing, but paying only Sh100 after promising Sh1,500 feels like mockery,” she said, adding that families rely on such small earnings for food and school fees.
Similar incidents occurred earlier in the year at party events across Rift Valley, where crowds rejected branded materials over perceived broken promises on economic relief. Residents cite persistent challenges like high fertiliser prices, delayed cooperative payments, and youth unemployment despite government pledges.
Trans-Nzoia County Coordinator Gideon Oyugi confirmed police monitored the situation but found no need for intervention as the protest remained peaceful beyond the burning of apparel. He urged organisers to honour commitments to avoid public discontent that undermines development messaging.
United Democratic Alliance officials in Kitale declined comment when reached, with party headquarters yet to issue a statement on the matter. Sources within the local branch admitted logistical challenges in mobilising funds but insisted the housing programme delivers tangible benefits through ongoing construction sites employing thousands.
Community elders called for dialogue between leaders and grassroots supporters, warning that repeated disappointments erode trust ahead of future elections. They advocated transparent communication on incentives and focused on verifiable project impacts like completed units in nearby counties.
Women’s groups in Kitale organised follow-up meetings to discuss alternative income sources, emphasising self-reliance over reliance on political handouts. Participants shared experiences of attending multiple events only to receive partial or delayed payments.
The Affordable Housing Project continues nationwide, with recent launches in Eldoret and Nakuru showcasing model units and registration drives for contributors. Officials maintain the levy-based initiative creates jobs and addresses urban shortages, though critics question affordability for low-wage earners.
As videos spread across social media platforms, the Kitale incident reignited conversations on political mobilisation tactics in Kenya’s competitive landscape. Residents hope lessons learnt lead to more genuine engagement focused on policy substance rather than short-term inducements.
For many families in Trans-Nzoia, the burnt T-shirts symbolise broader frustrations with economic promises that feel out of reach. Community leaders urge accountability to rebuild confidence in programmes meant to uplift ordinary citizens.
The event concluded with attendees dispersing quietly after venting anger, leaving organisers to reflect on approaches that respect participant dignity. In a region pivotal to national politics, such moments underscore the need for delivery matching rhetoric on the ground.
