Activist Morara Kebaso has addressed the uproar sparked by his recent comments on the growing presence of Burundian nationals in Kenya’s security sector, specifically as night guards.
His remarks, made during an interview on Citizen TV last week, drew criticism for being perceived as tribalistic and dismissive of the Luhya community, traditionally associated with such jobs.
During the December 13, 2024, interview, Morara expressed concern about the displacement of Kenyan security workers, citing the willingness of Burundians to accept lower wages as a major factor.
“My watchman is a Burundian and I raised this issue in our residence’s association WhatsApp group that almost all our watchmen now they are no longer Luhyas, they are being replaced with Burundians because the Burundians are willing to take Ksh7,000 yet a policy has been passed that a night guard should not be paid less than Ksh30,000,” Morara said.
He continued, “That law was supposed to protect that market so that the security guards can also earn a decent living because there is an increase in cost of living and cost of goods and services and even rent.
“But now we have Burundians accepting even Ksh7,000 to be night guards and therefore they have phased out our Maasais, they have phased out the Luhyas, they have phased out people from the security sector and now it is being given to Burundians.”
The comments triggered widespread backlash, with critics accusing Morara of perpetuating stereotypes and framing security jobs as an ethnic preserve.
Social media erupted with debates over Morara’s choice of words, particularly among Kenyans who found his remarks disparaging.
Morara’s rebuttal
However, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Morara clarified his statement after being confronted by a concerned individual on X (formerly Twitter).
“But you said Luhya people are Watchmen? Didn’t you?” @_dexterbrian commented on Morara’s post in which he was urging Kenyans to shun tribal politics.
In his response, Morara defended his remarks, asserting that his focus was on the issue of foreign nationals replacing Kenyans due to cheap labour.
“I said the Luhyas who were watchmen have been replaced by Burundians. Which is a good thing right?” Morara clarified.
Morara’s response sought to shift the conversation back to the broader issue of labour practices and the economic pressures faced by Kenyan workers in comparison to foreign nationals willing to accept lower pay.
