Introduction
This report examines the dynamic trends from September 30 to October 4, 2024, focusing on key events like the abduction of activist Morara Kebaso, the contentious rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund , and the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
1. #JusticeForBruce & #ArrestNassir
The hashtag #JusticeForBruce trended after Mombasa-based blogger Bruce John, known as Chawa, was abducted from his home, assaulted, and left at a dumpsite in Mwakirunge. The attackers were allegedly linked to Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir, who has denied any involvement, calling the accusations a political witch-hunt.
The incident sparked widespread outrage against political violence, with #JusticeForBruce amassing 225,000 tweets, while Mombasa and #ArrestNassir garnered 329,000 and 12,000 tweets, respectively.
Impact on media
The abduction and assault of Bruce John intensified media scrutiny of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir. Social media has been critical in unearthing the claims of abduction and torture. Media outlets can investigate and report objectively any form of political violence and abuse of power. When the story is objectively covered, it may lead to political accountability and transparency, and further prevent violations.
The hashtags #JusticeForBruce and #ArrestNassir demonstrate the growing influence of social media in shaping public agenda. This shift will continue to challenge conventional way of new gathering.
2. #FreeMorara
Lawyer and activist Morara Kebaso was forcefully detained by armed men, allegedly police officers, from his Kahawa Sukari office. He was later presented at Milimani law courts over cyber harassment charges, accused of tarnishing Uasin Gishu businessman David Langat’s reputation. However, Langat denied filing any complaint. Following protests outside the court, Morara was released on a Sh 50,000 cash bail, but on October 4, chief magistrate Lucas Onyina dismissed the charges.
On Friday, Morara was attacked by goons at the Bomas of Kenya during a public participation forum on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment. The incident was allegedly instigated by a city MP.
The online campaign #FreeMorara gained significant traction on social media. On September 30, it trended with over 221,000 tweets, reaching second position within an hour. By October 1, the hashtag had garnered 4.8 million tweets, while #RutoMustGo amassed 1.5 million tweets, calling for President William Ruto’s resignation following Morara’s arrest.
A live TikTok broadcast by user Billyomase on October 1, covering Morara’s court appearance, attracted 2k viewers and 1.4k likes. After the attack on Morara at Bomas on October 4, the forum trended with 633,000 tweets for nine hours, while #Morara trended for five hours with 51,000 tweets. Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang also trended at fifth position with 214k tweets. The public participation event garnered a total of 709,000 tweets nationwide.
Impact on media
Platforms like TikTok and X have once again proven their power in shaping public discourses. The live TikTok coverage of Morara’s court appearance by Billyomase and the viral #FreeMorara campaign depicted how viral content creation and digital activism can reach millions, bypassing traditional media channels. The mainstream media needs to relook at their news sources and find ways to leverage on social media and content creation to reach wider audiences.
3. SHA rollout
The rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) marks a transition in Kenya’s healthcare financing, replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Government officials have proclaimed the initiative a success. However, a variety of perspectives and sentiments emerged across different platforms, revealing underlying concerns. Many citizens are confused about service continuity and the implications of their previous NHIF contributions for the new SHIF scheme. Dr. Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), has strongly criticized the new scheme, describing it as a “sinking ship” that could limit access to essential healthcare. He argues that the NHIF provided better benefits compared to private insurance plans. Additionally, numerous netizens have expressed frustration, as many patients have been turned away from hospitals due to their inability to pay upfront in cash.
https://x.com/KusienyaKelvin/status/1842098955213021238
Impact on media
The controversy surrounding the transition from the NHIF to SHIF was a topic of heated discussion. Journalists have a duty to report and inform the public on the medical scheme and how it will impact access to medical care. The media should provide balanced analysis of the government’s decisions and their implications for health.
4.#RiggyGImpeached,#KufaDerevaKufaMakanga & #ImpeachBoth
A motion was tabled in Parliament to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for gross constitutional violations. The motion, presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, got the support of 291 MPs exceeding the required 117 votes. The grounds for impeachment include accusations of ethnic division, undermining the presidency, violating his oath of office, breaching the National Cohesion and Integration Act, and allegedly acquiring Sh5.2 billion in property through corrupt means. Gachagua’s also allegedly incited public opposition to Nairobi County government directives.
On October 3, Gachagua filed a petition at the High Court through his lawyers, seeking to suspend the impeachment, claiming it was based on deceit and misrepresentation of material facts.
The controversy surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment has fueled the trending hashtag #KufaDerevaKufaMakanga, which has become a rallying cry on social media for impeaching both President William Ruto and his deputy. This sentiment is further echoed by the hashtag #ImpeachBoth. On October 1, #RiggyGImpeached trended with 13k tweets over seven hours, while #KufaDerevaKufaMakanga garnered 24k tweets on October 3, and #ImpeachBoth amassed 332k tweets over nine hours.
Impact on media
Gachagua’s impeachment motion ignited increased media coverage, fostering public engagement and accountability discussions. Trending hashtags have amplified these discussions, encouraging media outlets to focus on citizen sentiments and reactions.
