A viral TikTok video showing Uasin Gishu County senator Jackson Mandago handing out lollipops and biscuits to residents has ignited a heated debate online, with Kenyans sharply divided over the gesture.

In the clip posted on his TikTok page, the senator is seen seated inside a black SUV car distributing confectionaries to a crowd gathered outside. A young man holding a box filled with biscuits and lollipops stands by the vehicle’s front window as residents queue up; some scrambling to get the treats.

Mandago captioned the video with hashtags including #Senator #Shujaa #Mandago, portraying the moment as a friendly interaction with locals.

However, the video quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions across social media platforms.

Some users praised the senator, saying the gesture showed his connection with ordinary Kenyans.

One TikTok user, Nelson Korir, commented: “Mandago you gave my brother a job nakushukuru sana, though watu wanakuongelea iyo nayo siwezi ulifanya kazi.”

Another user, Lindah Kossy, added: “I love this man. True leader of the people… Barikiwa mheshimiwa.”

But critics accused the politician of promoting what they described as “poverty politics.”

One user, Safari GB, wrote: “Oh dear this is what politicians are good at. Handing out rubbish to desperate people instead of empowering people. So sad and shameful.”

Another TikTok user, Pilaleleuda, commented: “I’m praying Kenya, we refuse this poverty mentality. Yaani grown women and men fighting for biscuits and sweets.”

The controversy has also revived memories of a similar incident in 2025 involving digital strategist Dennis Itumbi.

During the run-up to the Mbeere North by-election 2025 in Mbeere North, footage surfaced showing Itumbi distributing groceries including sukuma wiki, tea leaves and tomatoes while campaigning for Leonard Muthende, a candidate from the United Democratic Alliance.