Controversial cartoon sparks uproar, conversations amidst rising cost of living

 

A Gado cartoon art has been brought back to life in the wake of unprecedented and tough economic times in Kenya.

The cartoon, whose interpretation is taken to mean that political leaders are taking more from the citizens than they (the citizens) can afford to give shows a pig, pants down, mounting an already emaciated and wounded cow as a crocodile, a hyena,  and a porcupine (presumably) cheer on.

Kenyan citizens are crying fowl after the Kenya Kwanza government which ran and won elections on a hustler narrative seems to be shamelessly going back on their promises one after the other, disregarding the interests of the common mwananchi and burdening citizens with hefty and highly punitive taxes.

Justina Wamae, a presidential running mate in the previous elections took to Twitter to call out the Kenya Kwanza government and advise citizens that they ought, in the future to look closely at manifestos rather than go with the wave of political chants. In response, one SK Mutembei expresses her dissatisfaction with Kenya Kwanza's habit of "veer[ing] off... from their promises."

It's truly disheartening to witness the government of KK veer off course from their promises. The lack of adherence to their manifesto and the allocation of funds towards unnecessary endeavors is deeply saddening. Time for change! Punda amechoka!!#inatuhusu

— SK Mutembei 🇰🇪 (@SK_Mutembei) June 28, 2023

It is said that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Well, this picture speaks more than this article can even attempt to begin to explain.

From the look of things, Kenyans are not impressed. Here are some more tweets you will want to read through. But first, hear from the horse's mouth:

Kenyans are not happy because their country is on the wrong path. We are angry and hungry because of the high cost of living and soaring fuel prices. This is the anger that will drive Kenyans to vote for fresh, visionary and responsible government on August 9: Kenya Kwanza. pic.twitter.com/u5iduOy9qw

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 14, 2022

President Ruto ran for office on a hustler narrative, a narrative that promised to make things better for the ordinary Kenyan. That narrative meant, to many, a reduction in the price of food commodities, a better policy on taxes and business investments, better healthcare at a low cost, low fuel prices, and generally a lower cost of living. However, Ruto brought up the infamous Finance Bill which led to introduction of a housing levy and a higher fuel tax among other things.

On 26th June 2023, H.E. the President Dr. William Ruto signed into law the Finance Bill, 2023 introducing a 16 percent VAT on petroleum products. ^BO pic.twitter.com/pF7df0VwSG

— Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (@EPRA_Ke) June 29, 2023

Conversations among citizens are now heating up after the finance bill was passed in the National Assembly, and an increase in the cost of living in Kenya is expected. To make the matters worse, the MPs and MCAs are now looking to have their salaries increased to cushion them from the punitive laws they have just passed in parliament. Who is going to cushion Kenyans? Are the MPs and MCAs only interested in their own welfare?

Ruto, Gachagua & MPs pass the #FinanceBill EPRA increases the cost of fuel which increases the cost of living then SRC increases their pay to cushion them from the cost of living they just increased. We are on our own. Semeni Dynasty mbaya!
It's not a laughing matter.

— lyf sign (@lyf_sign) June 30, 2023