Introduction
This report highlights notable trends analysed on social media platforms X, Facebook, and TikTok, as monitored by the online team between January 13 and 17.
During the concluded monitoring period, various issues captured the attention of netizens. The public statement by the Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi detailing his son’s abduction while mentioning senior government officials as the responsible parties elicited colossal traction on the platforms. The vetting and subsequent swearing-in of three Cabinet Secretaries also formed part of the notable trends, the occasion inter-twining with sentiments from former President Uhuru Kenyatta encouraging the Gen Z brigade to fight for their rights and wealth.
Muturi accuses DCI, NIS
From January 13 – 15, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi trended on social media platforms after his damning statement submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations detailing his son Leslie Muturi’s abduction. Earlier, on January 12, Muturi held a press conference to reveal the turmoil his family went through when his son Leslie was abducted by unknown persons in June 2024 during anti-government demonstrations. Following the press conference, the DCI boss Amin Mohamed noted that Leslie Muturi’s abduction case was active but had slowed as Leslie was the only one who had submitted a police statement; he asked the CS to submit a statement.
Subsequently, on January 14, the Public Service CS honoured the invitation extended by the DCI boss and appeared at Kilimani police station to record a statement.
The revelations not only drew netizens’ reactions but also elicited public statements from the political class, with calls for dismissal of the CS for criticising the government he serves in. Furthermore, netizens online called for NIS boss Noordin Haji to clarify the allegations mounted against him, especially following the recent spate of youth abductions.
On X, the hashtag #Muturi amassed 2 million posts. The hashtag #NoordinHaji garnered 881K tweets.
On TikTok, CS Muturi’s public statement elicited over 50K engagements, with a reach of over 1.2 million. Furthermore, the response by CS Muturi daring the political class to bring on the fight against him received more than 429K engagements, with a reach of over 25K.
On Facebook, the topic “Muturi News” had over 9.1K engagements, with notable numbers engaging on the Citizen TV and NTV Facebookpages.
Impact on media
CS Muturi’s statement received wide media coverage and public discourse. The revelations, coupled with the involvement of high-profile figures such as NIS boss Noordin Haji and President Ruto, intensified scrutiny of government institutions’ handling of abductions. Online platforms became hotspots for debates, with #Muturi and #NoordinHaji trending on X, generating millions of tweets that amplified public pressure on the government for accountability. The controversy also highlighted growing concerns about the safety of Kenyan youth.
The wide reach and engagement on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X highlighted how digital media amplifies political controversies. Public reactions, ranging from calls for Noordin Haji’s clarification to political responses like Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro’s pledge to censure Muturi, revealed the story’s resonance with both citizens and the political elite.
Kabogo, Kagwe and Kinyanjui
On January 14, Cabinet nominees William Kabogo, Mutahi Kagwe, and Lee Kinyanjui faced the Committee on Appointments in the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for vetting. The three were selected by President William Ruto to lead the ICT, Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Investments, Trade and Industry ministries respectively. Online, netizens touted the three as former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s representatives in the broad-based government, after President Ruto visited the former President’s home in Gatundu on December 9, 2024.
On January 16, the three were approved and sworn in on January 17 at State House, Nairobi. However, the political tides turned and netizens in a mixture of excitement and scepticism expressed varying opinions after retired President Uhuru Kenyatta asked Gen Z to be bold and fight for their rights, aiding a powerful voice to the ongoing revolt against the government witnessed online.
Impact on media
The vetting and swearing-in of Cabinet Secretaries William Kabogo, Mutahi Kagwe, and Lee Kinyanjui sparked significant media coverage, blending political analysis with public sentiment. The connection to former President Uhuru Kenyatta heightened the narrative, with netizens framing their appointments as expansion of the broad-based government. The narrative showcased the media’s role in amplifying political transitions and stirring debate on governance structures, with coverage extending to past controversies and the appointees’ strategies for their new roles.
The timing of retired President Kenyatta’s remarks during a burial added a layer of intrigue and fueled online speculation. His call for Gen-Z to stand up for their rights, coinciding with the swearing-in of the “Uhuru CSs,” elicited commentary on his position in the current administration. Media platforms captured the mixed reactions, reflecting a public eager to decipher the evolving dynamics among Kenya’s political players. On X, the hashtag #Uhuru amassed 950K tweets after trending for 24 hours.
Uhuru’s statement struck a deep chord with young Kenyans when he exhorted Gen Z to stand up for their rights and encouraged his daughter Ngina to get involved. This sparked discussions on intergenerational solidarity, wealth sharing, and youth empowerment.
Environment CS Aden Duale accused Uhuru of inciting the youth against the Ruto administration. This conflict of viewpoints brought to light how the media may amplify political tensions and provide forms for opposing interpretations. Online forums, especially X, were turned into spaces for citizen-led analysis.
Conclusion
The trends throughout the course of the monitoring period show how political developments, public declarations, and media narratives interact dynamically to shape internet debate in Kenya. To effectively engage individuals, draw attention to unresolved socio-political concerns, and promote discussion on governance, youth advocacy, and state transparency, popular platforms such as Facebook, X, and TikTok are important. These incidents highlight how crucial it is to keep an eye on and evaluate patterns to comprehend the country’s sociopolitical trajectory, especially as internet platforms continue to influence public discourses.
