"Mum amka": Pineapple vendor falls on road chasing handout from politician’s car
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- A pineapple vendor identified as Rose was reportedly pushed off a campaign vehicle during a cash handout, allegedly by a Nairobi Governor aspirant's team
- The incident, which occurred on July 14 near Riverside Square, left Rose injured as her son was seen on video wailing helplessly at the scene
- A video of the chaotic street scene was shared widely online sparking sharp reactions about political handout culture
A pineapple vendor known as Rose was left injured on July 14 after she allegedly fell from a campaign vehicle during a cash distribution exercise linked to a Nairobi Governor aspirant's team.
Video footage of the incident, which spread rapidly across social media, showed a chaotic street scene involving a black SUV surrounded by a crowd.
People wearing high-visibility vests can be seen scrambling near the vehicle along Riverside Drive, near Riverside Square, after which one person collapsed on the ground.
For a few minutes, the woman was lying on the road helpless as bystanders, boda boda men and vehicles passed while slowing down to watch.
Her son immediately went to her rescue, screaming and wailing, asking her to get up, visibly shaken and fearing the worst as his mother lay still on the ground with the bucket of pineapples by her side.
"Mum get up, mum," he screamed as he shook her.
She eventually stood but lost her balance, prompting a few onlookers to help her to the side of the road where it was safe.
Rose, a street vendor, was reportedly among residents who rushed towards the vehicle when word spread that money was being distributed.
She sustained injuries in the commotion, though she survived. Her son was said to have broken down at the scene.
Kenyans react to the Riverside Drive incident
The clip drew heated responses online, with many questioning the dignity of political handout culture and the indifference shown by those in the vehicle.
The incident has reignited debate around the dangers of political handouts in urban Kenya, where crowds of residents often chase campaign vehicles in hopes of receiving cash, food or other items from aspirants seeking votes.
Kochogo01:
"Na wakaenda bila kujali. Politicians don't care about citizens"
WinnieSpeaks:
"Weh pole....kweli kuoata pesa ni ngumu everywhere adi za campaign"
films_gael:
"Shida ni ii umaskini yenu ya kudhani kila V8 equals to opportunities... Even that politician is a hustler only the fact that amefika bei ya kukununua."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.