Kenyan lawmakers’ extravagant lifestyles, showcased on social media platforms like TikTok and X, have ignited widespread anger among the country’s youth, already upset over proposed tax hikes. The opulence displayed by Members of Parliament (MPs), in a nation where well-paying jobs are scarce, has fuelled weeks-long protests.
On June 25, the unrest reached a peak when protesters stormed and set fire to parliament, attacking fleeing politicians’ vehicles. Since then, private homes and businesses of several MPs, particularly those from the ruling coalition, have been targeted.
Social media has become a tool for the protests, with edited videos of politicians and allegations of corruption flooding platforms. Activists are sharing strategies to recall representatives and have created an AI-powered chatbot that exposes corruption allegations when a politician’s name is entered.
Politicians under scrutiny
Ruling party MP Zaheer Jhanda, who posted videos showcasing his luxury cars, faced public backlash and an attempted storming of his home in Kisii. Despite requests, Jhanda did not comment. Artist and activist Rachel Stephanie Akinyi, also known as Spontaneous The Poet, criticised politicians for flaunting their wealth while neglecting their duties. She said, ‘Why would you show us your lavish lifestyle and still not do your job as a leader?’
In response to the protests, President William Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet, excluding the foreign minister, to form a new ‘broad-based government.’ Ruto condemned the ‘obnoxious opulence’ of some officials and announced austerity measures, including cuts to his own office’s budget.
Didmus Barasa, a ruling party MP, acknowledged the protesters’ concerns about the government’s economic insensitivity but denied that MPs were overpaid. Barasa defended his personal wealth, including a private helicopter, as legitimate business earnings, stating, ‘I am an inspiration to many young people in this country.’
Growing political engagement
Caroline Gaita, Executive Director of Mzalendo, noted that young Kenyans are becoming more politically engaged, understanding the impact of legislation on their lives. Tom Mboya, a political expert, highlighted the perception that politicians are unaccountable, exacerbating public frustration.
In 2023, Kenya ranked 126 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. The ongoing protests have led to calls for the recall of MPs, with guidelines published online. Voters in Kabete constituency have collected 5,000 of the 10,000 signatures needed to recall their MP, Ndungi Githuku.
Kenya’s opposition, wary of the discontent, has named six members for potential recall. Senator Richard Onyonka commented on the diminished legitimacy of MPs, telling Reuters, ‘I think they are heavily damaged.’
Economic disparities and corruption
Kenyan MPs earn significantly more than the national average wage, with additional perks such as cheap loans and substantial allowances. The Constituency Development Funds (CDF) scheme, intended for local development, has faced accusations of inefficiency and embezzlement. An audit revealed about KSh1.7bn ($13 million) unaccounted for in bursaries for school children in 42 constituencies for the 2021/22 financial year.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling the CDF scheme unlawful in 2022, it continues to provide MPs with substantial funds. Lawmakers justify their high pay by their expected role in distributing cash in their constituencies. A report by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy Limited and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy found that aspiring MPs had to spend over $180,000 on campaigns in 2017, with figures likely higher in 2022.
The opulent lifestyles of MPs, including returning to their constituencies in fleets of SUVs or helicopters, have further fuelled public anger. Senator Boni Khalwale told Reuters, ‘People are angry and hate us as leadership because every weekend, helicopters crisscross the sky, all of them going to functions where these millions are being dished out.’
Protests continue
The protests have highlighted the stark economic disparities in Kenya and the perceived disconnect between lawmakers and the public. The use of social media has amplified the voices of the discontented youth, turning what started as demonstrations against tax hikes into a broader movement against political corruption and extravagance.
Despite President Ruto’s efforts to address some concerns, including dismissing his cabinet and announcing austerity measures, the protests show no signs of abating. The youth-led movement continues to push for accountability and transparency, with a focus on removing corrupt politicians from office.
The political landscape in Kenya is undergoing a significant shift, driven by a young population that is increasingly unwilling to accept the status quo. The future of the country’s political and economic environment will depend on how effectively these concerns are addressed and whether genuine reforms are implemented.
