In a tense confrontation at Kiawara market in Nyeri County, a fire engine disrupted a public baraza led by Gen Z businessman and activist Morara Kebaso.
During the event, Kebaso, known for his sharp critiques of government inefficiencies, was addressing residents on issues of national importance when the fire engine, with flashing lights but no siren, cut through the crowd, causing a stir.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, September 9, 2024, Kebaso shared a video of the incident.
The video showed the fire engine manoeuvring through the crowd, seemingly without any emergency to attend to.
“Wacha tuone kama wataigonga.Ehh kuja na hio fujo. Wakati tulikua tunawahitaji muzime moto hamukua. Sahi ndo mumekuja munataka kugonga gari,” Kebaso, who was addressing residents from the roof of his vehicle, condemned the fire engine saying they should have used the same bravado to put out the fire at Hillside Academy, Endarasha instead of intimidating him.
Residents could be seen expressing their frustration with the disturbance, which interrupted the public meeting that Kebaso was leading.
“Someone decided to send a fire engine to come and disrupt our meeting with the pèople at Kiawara market. The vehicle was headed nowhere to do nothing and even left the tarmac to follow us into the market centre where we were discussing issues of national importance,” Kebaso lamented in his post.
“It kept reversing and speeding towards us like a charging bull. But we stood our ground. Asante watu wa Kiawara Nyeri. Poleni sana kwa msiba,” he added.
Despite the apparent intimidation tactic, the 28-year-old activist vowed to continue his advocacy on behalf of local residents.
Kebaso highlighted the need for better healthcare infrastructure in the region, stating, “I have noted that in the whole of Kieni Subcounty there is no hospital. I will write to the CD health and County Governor on that issue. Meanwhile, I am asking the pèople of Mount Kenya to wake up their leaders and keep them accountable. Tumalize wizi ndio kazi ifanyike.”
Kebaso has built a reputation as a thorn in the side of both county and national governments through a series of videos and social media posts that expose stalled projects and embarrass the ruling class.
His rise to prominence has been fueled by his commitment to spotlighting unfinished government projects across the country, leveraging public barazas and online platforms to keep leaders accountable.
Known for his satirical takes and sharp critiques, Kebaso’s activism has galvanized many Kenyans who are frustrated with government inefficiency and corruption.
His recent experience in Nyeri County underscores the challenges activists face when they push for transparency and accountability in governance.
Still, Kebaso remains undeterred, calling on citizens to demand more from their leaders and end the culture of unfulfilled government promises.
