- Kenyans have been going to the streets to protest what they referred to as punitive taxes and asking the president to step down
- However, veteran comedian Chpukeezy has condemned the protests, saying they were destroying the country and urged them to wait for the next elections
- His sentiments attracted backlash from Kenyans who accused him of sycophancy while others urged him to keep off protest matters
Comedian Vincent Mwasia, popularly known as Chipukeezy, has criticised Kenyans who are still protesting days after President William Ruto withdrew the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Kenyans, led by Gen Zs, have been flocking to the streets on Tuesdays and Thursdays to pressure the government to reduce the cost of living and be accountable.
Why Chipukeezy wants Gen Z protests to end
However, comedian Chipukeezy has maintained that the country is headed in the wrong direction should people continue protesting.
Part of what he wrote on his Instagram page said:
“We can’t build a nation by tearing it down. It’s contradictory to say we are fighting for the youth while harming their businesses and risking their lives. When young people raised concerns about the finance bill, the president withdrew it. This shows that constructive engagement works. Protests are creating a good platform for chaos and hooliganism, whether it’s organic or paid, and it’s leading us down a destructive path.”
The comedian also noted that despite his sentiments being unpopular among Kenyans, he will continue to rebuke the protests.
He also encouraged the youth to use the proper channels to seek change and urged them to run for office or choose someone else to achieve their goals.
“If you think the country is on the wrong track, get involved—either by running for office or by voting for someone who will represent your views effectively when that time comes,” he added.
Here are some of the reactions from social media users:
@effykaydesiree said:
“I wish you continued keeping quiet the way you’ve been quiet all along.”
@abisho_93 said:
“Good message, wrong pictures.”
@janet_kamadi said:
“Wewe kwanza haukureject alafu unakuja kutupea msomo hapa.”
@drreign said:
“Anything to secure the bag.”
Nigerian activist asks Kenyans to embrace dialogue
In a similar report, TUKO.co.ke featured a former Nigerian Labour leader who called on Gen Zs to call off protests and embrace dialogue.
Emmanuel Igbini, an activist, noted that the more the protests continued without an agenda, the more they would sink the nation’s economy.
He also urged the president to dissolve the cabinet, fight corruption, and reduce his trips outside the country.
Source: TUKO.co.ke