Lilian Ng’ang’a, entrepreneur and wife of musician Juliani, has called on Kenyans to adopt a respectful tone when critiquing the government.
In a statement delivered on Wednesday, January 15, 2024, Lilian emphasized that there was a need for maintaining dignity and maturity, even when holding leaders accountable.
In her statement, Lilian, who previously served as Machakos First Lady during her marriage to Alfred Mutua, urged Kenyans to reject vulgarity as a means of expressing dissatisfaction.
“There is a need for us to continue faulting the government for its failures and transgressions. However, using vulgar language and showing total disrespect is unacceptable. Pass your message across in a mature and respectable manner. Adding insults dilutes the purpose,” she advised.
Growing Pattern of Vulgar Criticism
Lilian’s comments come amidst a surge in offensive and scathing criticisms of government leaders, particularly from Kenya’s youth.
The trend gained traction during the anti-Finance Bill protests, where thousands took to the streets to oppose controversial tax proposals.
Since then, criticism has evolved into online tirades, including the use of AI-generated images and cartoons lampooning government figures.
Some of these posts have gone viral, with users employing harsh language to express frustration.
However, this pattern has had consequences, as authorities have responded with alleged abductions targeting the perceived masterminds of such content.
A Viral Case
One notable incident involved 22-year-old Peter Muteti, whose controversial post on X (formerly Twitter) depicted President William Ruto in a coffin, accompanied by scathing remarks accusing the president of failing Kenyans.
Muteti’s post, shared on an account with over 100,000 followers, quickly went viral. The graphic nature of the criticism drew mixed reactions, with some Kenyans condemning it as extreme.
Days later, Muteti was reportedly abducted, sparking outrage and protests.
His disappearance prompted his family to rally relatives and friends from Marima village in Muthambi Subcounty, Meru County, who barricaded the Meru-Nairobi Highway in protest.
Muteti was eventually released in late December after days in captivity. His father, visibly shaken by the ordeal, issued a heartfelt plea for forgiveness on behalf of his son.
“I was shocked on December 21 when I received the news that my son had gone missing. I have since then been a worried man. If the young man erred, then I apologize on his behalf. I also want to apologize to Kenyans,” he said.
