Law Professor Makau Mutua’s article on alleged impunity within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans.
The article titled Whataboutism and UDA impunity was featured on the Daily Nation on Sunday, January 8.
Makau Mutua negatively critiqued the government as the Harvard-taught lawyer argued that most people appointed in the government did not have the know-how to run a country.
“Most UDA politicians cannot pass a liberal application of Chapter Six of the Constitution,” the professor remarked.
The Professor added that he was amused by how some intellectuals had decided to join Ruto's government.
"UDA has few intellectuals like David Ndii but it baffles me why he agreed to work with the den of cartels in the government," he stated.
"If the word impunity had a portrait, the UDA party would perfectly fit that as most of its members cannot even account for how they acquired untold riches," Makau added.
On why he was using whataboutism, Makau explained that it was because every time the government was held into account, it responded with a snark retort or a critical counter-question, avoiding responsibility.
"This has become a key propaganda tool employed by the UDA regime. Its purpose is to blind the public from the administration's many failures and inability to fulfill campaign promises," Makau opined.
The scholar was accused of harbouring bitterness towards the government, with some asking the newspaper publication to drop him as a columnist.
Stephen Mutoro, Secretary General of the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), argued that the professor did more harm than good to the publication.
“This is because he continues to spew propaganda and unsubstantiated allegations towards the government,” Mutoro reasoned.
Mutoro’s statement was echoed by a social media user named David Onyango, who accused Mutua of bias in his analysis.
“It is logical and fair to be balanced in your analysis if you are accusing UDA you should also tell readers how Azimio is fairing,” he mused.
Another tweep using pseudo account Bond Omari accused Makau of writing baseless allegations in a desperate attempt to stay relevant after the Azimio coalition lost the general election.
Mutua, however, was also supported by a section of Kenyans and was praised for taking his opposition role.
“President William Ruto asked the opposition to provide a vibrant opposition, I am happy to see Makau providing the required checks and balances,” Joseph Kilembwa posted on Twitter.
Another tweep echoed his sentiments, by remarking, “The professor is doing a good job by writing informative articles that enrichen our political discourse.”
