VIDEO: Dennis Itumbi hands out Sukuma Wiki, tomatoes as Mbeere North Campaigns heat up

A video of digital strategist and political blogger Dennis Itumbi distributing sukuma wiki to residents of Mbeere North has stirred debate online ahead of the constituency’s by-election set for November 27.

In the viral clip, Itumbi is seen handing out bunches of kales, tea leaves and tomatoes while urging locals to support UDA candidate Leo wa Muthende.

The move, perceived by some as early campaign activity, drew mixed reactions on X.

Critics accused him of engaging in handout politics, a huge deviation from the Bottom Up Economic Agenda, which the administration heavily touted.

The race in Mbeere North By-Election is getting heated and Dennis Itumbi is now forced to use other means to campaign for UDA party flagbearer, Leonard Muthende. pic.twitter.com/lLpJk87Did

— THEE ALFA HOUSE (@thee_alfa_house) November 12, 2025

“Your campaign asset is addressing 50 people while stepping on a table, and you call it a bombshell?” one user mocked.

Another asked, "Sometimes look at yourself and think big before you do anything. How can statehouse give out sukuma za 10bob?"

The incident comes as campaigns intensify in Mbeere North, where UDA is keen to retain its foothold in the region.

The position fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed as Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) in April 2025, and the position remained vacant pending the appointment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners to pave the way for a mini-poll.

Muthende is seen to be closely competing with the opposition candidate Newton Karish. 

Itumbi, a close ally of President William Ruto, rose to prominence as part of the State House digital communications team during the Jubilee administration and later became a key figure in Ruto’s 2022 “Hustler Nation” campaign.

Despite surviving an alleged abduction and assault in 2021, he has remained a vocal defender of the UDA government.

His latest public appearance has once again highlighted his trademark blend of digital activism, grassroots PR, and street-level mobilisation.

As the by-election nears, critics and Kenyans at large are keen to watch wich final-leg strategies the two political camps battling for the seat will employ..