A video circulating online has sparked debate in Kibera after residents openly criticised their area Member of Parliament, Peter Orero, accusing him of failing to deliver on his campaign promises.
In the clip, a woman identified as a Kibera resident is heard expressing frustration with Orero’s leadership, claiming he has not met the expectations of the constituents who elected him.
“We voted for him because he promised change, development and support for our children, but up to now we have seen nothing. Our lives have not improved,” the woman says in the video.
Other residents appearing in the clip are heard praising a man popularly known as the CEO, crediting him for stepping in to support struggling families.
According to the residents, the CEO has helped clear school fees for their children through bursary support and has also provided food and basic necessities to vulnerable households.
The residents argue that while their elected leader has been largely absent, the CEO has remained visible and responsive to their needs.
“When our children were sent home for fees, it is the CEO who helped us. When families were hungry, he brought food. That is leadership,” another resident is heard saying.
The remarks come less than a year before Kenyans head to the next general election, a period that has already seen heightened political activity in Kibera.
The CEO has on several occasions publicly declared Kibera his political stronghold and has called for peace and calm as the election season approaches.
Residents in the video claim the CEO has played a significant role in improving their livelihoods and insist they are ready to back him as their next Member of Parliament.
“We already know who we will vote for. We want someone who works, not someone who only talks during campaigns,” a resident adds.
The video has continued to attract mixed reactions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on the performance of the current leadership and the emerging political contenders in Kibera.