Butita speaks about pressure on celebrities to become political activists
By Paulette Mboga, August 7, 2026Comedian and content creator Eddie Butita has spoken about the pressure placed on celebrities to become political activists, saying people should respect different opinions and feelings.
Butita made the remarks while speaking to Nick Kwach during an interview where they discussed artists, activism and politics in Kenya among other topics.
Butita explained that he has learnt to respect the different positions people take in politics. He said people can have different experiences with political issues, meaning what works for one person may not work for another.
“The sad thing that I learnt, wacha tuumie, why? Siku hizi hata msanii akinipigia, namwambia niko na shida zangu,” Butita said on Friday, August 7, 2026.
The comedian said he has reached a point where he does not want to judge people based on their political views. He explained that people have their own feelings and experiences, and those differences should be respected when discussing politics.
“One thing I will never do in this country, take it to the bank. In politics, respect someone else’s opinions and feelings because haujui kama it is working for them or not,” Butita said.
Butita on different political views
Butita said people should understand that political choices can affect individuals differently. He explained that something may work for one person while causing problems for another, making it important for people to consider these differences.
“Mtu hai work, inamuuma, mtu inam workia, ako sawa,” Butita said.
His comments came after Nick Kwach spoke about the relationship between artists and activism. Kwach said artists who move into policy work can be expected to take activist positions, with those who do not oppose certain issues being viewed negatively.
“Wewe kama msanii, the moment umeenda kufanya kazi ya policy…because sisi wasanii, tuko inherently sentenced to activism. As in kama haupingi, haufanyi poa,” Nick Kwach said.
Butita, however, focused on the need to respect different views when politics comes into the discussion. He said his experience has changed how he looks at political conversations and the different positions people take.
“I realised politics zetu za Kenya is not a game of discussing issues, and that is why politicians divide us,” Butita said.
Butita’s remarks highlight his view that people should be allowed to have different political opinions without being judged for their choices. He also pointed out how politics can create divisions when people fail to understand that others may have different experiences.