Senator Boni Khalwale's move to help a sick and hungry man resting by the roadside on guardrails in Mubenji, Kakamega County, on Tuesday sparked diverse reactions among Kenyans.
In a video shared by the Senator, the lawmaker could be seen assisting the man cross the busy Kisumu-Kakamega Highway.
Senator Khalwale engaged the ailing man in a brief conversation after which he reached into his pocket, pulled out some money, and handed it to the sick man.
The ailing man, who appeared to be a motorcycle rider, was wearing a heavy jacket and a helmet. He was also holding on two sticks which he used as makeshift crutches to cross the road.
“Got a tired, hungry, sick man resting by the roadside on the guard rails at Mubenji. Helped him to cross the busy highway and go home in Muraka,” the lawmaker said in a statement.
However, the gesture drew mixed reactions from Kenyans with a section asking why he had opted to show him the way home instead of taking him to hospital since it was evident that the man needed medical attention.
“Khalwale, acting is a talent, you should capitalize on it very well and stop making it obvious. As a leader, you found a hungry sick man, you should have called an ambulance. Why did you give him money first? Handouts will never work.“ one user posed.
However, another section of Kenyans questioned why the injured man was wearing a helmet.
Others appreciated the Senator's move to help the sick man but were left displeased by the politician's move to document the whole situation. Most argued that he was doing it to gain political points.
“Is the objective to help someone or to broadcast it? Why not ferry him to the nearest hospital? “ another user posted.
The Senator's move came one day after he came to the defense of Mumias East MP Peter Salasya who was attacked by goons allegedly sponsored by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa over sugar politics.
Speaking during a political function on Monday, November 13, 2023, Khalwale stated Salasya just like any other political leader in Western Kenya, has a right to express his opinions on the matter.
