Machakos County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth, Sports, Gender and Social Welfare Rita Ndunge has drawn public attention after distributing sweets to residents in Machakos as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ndunge, who serves in the Machakos County Government, was captured in a video circulating online handing out sweets to members of the public while interacting with residents.

The incident comes months after she declared her intention to vie for the Machakos County woman representative seat in the 2027 elections.

In the video, the aspirant is seen distributing sweets as some youths call on her to address them, with several appearing eager to hear what she had to say.

“Kiongozi, ambia vijana kitu,” some of the youths are heard telling her.

However, Ndunge continues distributing the sweets, seemingly ignoring their calls and drawing criticism from some of those present.

One young man expresses frustration, accusing the aspirant of failing to engage with the youth despite their request.

“Anapeana sweets, namwambia aongee na vijana anakataa,” he says, arguing that young people are tired of leaders who fail to address their concerns.

“Kiongozi, enda home, vijana wamechoka na hiyo mchezo,” he adds.

The incident has since sparked debate online, with some Kenyans questioning whether distributing small gifts to residents is an appropriate way for aspiring politicians to engage potential voters.

The episode also brings to mind a similar incident involving a politician in Nakuru who was captured throwing loaves of bread to residents amid political activities ahead of the next elections.

Some social media users criticised the gesture, arguing that Kenyans need meaningful development and solutions to their problems rather than handouts during political engagements.

“Ile siku wanarushiwa mikate leo ni Tropical. Hawa watu huwa wanatubeba aje?” @254EDWINmurunga wrote.

Another user, @toshtosh, suggested that engaging residents in conversation would have been more meaningful than handing out sweets.

“But better just talking to them than this nonsense.”

Others, however, shifted the blame to residents who accept such gifts while demanding better leadership, arguing that voters should hold aspiring leaders accountable for their promises and priorities.

The reactions reflect the growing scrutiny of political campaigns and the methods candidates use to connect with voters ahead of the 2027 polls.

With young people increasingly raising concerns about employment opportunities, economic challenges and development, the incident has renewed debate about whether symbolic gestures can meaningfully address the issues facing ordinary Kenyans.