Mixed Reactions Over Khalwale's Offer to Boda Rider With a Degree

An undated photo of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale (left) and the boda boda rider (right)
An undated photo of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale (left) and the boda boda rider (right)
Twitter

Kakamega Senator, Boni Khalwale, shared his number on his social media pages after he was pressured to help a boda boda rider who holds a degree. 

The rider reportedly campaigned for the Senator and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the August 9 polls. 

A photo of the boda and the senator was also shared widely to back the reports, which further claimed that the man went door to door registering citizens into the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. 

"Tell him to call me through this number," stated Khalwale as he shared the contacts. 

The boda boda rider
The boda boda rider
Twitter

The boda boda rider is also said to be the South Eastern Kenya University president between 2019 and 2020. He was praised as a hard worker with a kind heart.

"Boni Khalwale, please consider the hustler below. I was shocked today to find him in a boda boda," read the plea on Twitter.

However the unusual response was not well received by a section of Kenyans, some argued it was not the right decision for the politician to give out his number on the public platform.

Some went ahead to send Ksh10 to the number to ascertain the genuineness of the number only to confirm it was registered under Boni Khalwale.

Others enquired whether they should also reach out for help through the number.

The politician was, nonetheless, accused of being biased with a section of tweeps claiming that he only picks calls from specific people. 

Khalwale was urged to find alternative means of helping out Kenyans instead of giving his number which will attract endless calls for help. 

He, however, did not respond to the comments and allegations. 

The former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, is also known for employing similar tactics to help needy Kenyans. Sonko often shares his number in public and is popular for paying school fees and rent among other bills for citizens who reach out to him.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko during a campaign trail in Mombasa
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko during a campaign trail in Mombasa
Sonko's page