Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has ignited a firestorm of criticism after staking Sh10 million against blogger Edgar Obare to address an alleged sex tape scandal.
Karauri has strongly denied the online allegations linking him to a controversial video exposed by the blogger, calling the claims fabricated and politically motivated.
Speaking in a video, he dared the blogger to produce unedited video evidence, pledging Sh10 million if the proof was provided, but outlined a different plan for the funds if otherwise.
“The money I have for you is Sh10 million. Share the video by 5 pm. Don’t put AI, so that we can verify those things,” Karauri previously stated.
“Since I know that video does not exist, what I’ll do with this money if you are unable to produce it, Sh8 million will go to my foundation and then Sh2 million I’ll give it to the Majembe and Mbavu Destroyer fight.”
The ultimatum has since ignited social media, with many users questioning the priorities of the MP following the extreme amount of money splashed.
Edgar Obare was among the first to respond, writing, “Jiheshimu Ronald, tupatane pale bnnpremium.”
On X, Muthomi Martins noted that residents in Kasarani Clay City and other areas have struggled with power blackouts for months, while their complaints went ignored.
“You don’t need to defend yourself, kama si ukweli. Have priorities,” he wrote.
Another questioned the logic of the payout, asking, “Sasa utampea pesa akirelease ama utachunia ndio asirelease?”
Wanjira Wanjiru pointed out the dire needs in Mathare, where many mothers have been unable to send their children to high school this January, asking if the MP’s foundation could “come through” for them instead.
“It is troubling to publicly offer monetary rewards to silence a story while ignoring the fact that the person you are confronting is not the originator of the information. If the allegations are false, confront them with clarity and verifiable evidence. That is how reputations are defended,” another, Miwaga Oketch wrote.
However, others, including popular city lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, encouraged the MP to ignore the claims.
“Capt…ignore losers and charlatans with big mouths, empty pockets and keyboards…envious of everyone they think is blessed,” he wrote.