Muthama's Chopper Visit to Matungu Causes Uproar

UDA Chairperson Johnstone Muthama addresses the media on January 8, 2021.
UDA Chairperson Johnstone Muthama addresses the media on January 8, 2021.
Daily Nation

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson Johnstones Muthama's visit to Matungu Constituency has elicited a major debate among Kenyans.

This is after the former Machakos Senator shared a photo of himself alongside former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and Eliud Owalo posing in front of a chopper.

Netizens were drawn into the debate, criticising the leader for moving across the country in choppers, yet pushing the hustler and wheelbarrow agenda to common Kenyans.

United Democratic Alliance headquarters in Kilimani, Nairobi
United Democratic Alliance headquarters in Kilimani, Nairobi
File

Muthama led the pro-Ruto team to Matungu to conduct campaigns for the party's candidate Alex Lanya ahead of the by-election to be held on March 4, 2021.

The former Senator shared the photo with the caption, "People of Matungu, We look forward to a massive Hustler wave as we gear for the March 4th elections. Alex Lanya being the UDA Kenya candidate, is Ready, Willing and Able to work with the people of Matungu. Hassan Omar, Eliud Owalo na mimi tuko ground pamoja na nyinyi."

Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed took a jab at the Muthama, criticising the Hustler Nation's narrative.

Junet shared reposted Muthama's photo captioned, "The hustlers are off to Matungu constituency for campaigns with their Wheelbarrow and Mkokoteni."

A section of Netizens criticised the leaders for "preaching water while sipping wine" arguing that they should stop feeding members of the public with "fake" narratives.

"Imagine you fly in a chopper and try to convince me about riding a bike, or walking we're in the same calibre of a hustler nation," Calvin Mtima opined.

Ahmed Mohammed, popularly known as Asmali, argued that the photo had brought about a "bad taste, even from a PR perspective."

"That wheelbarrow behind you guys is just so cool! Is it a Datini or zile za pale Landhies?" One Irungu Macharia ridiculed.

Some Kenyans however defended the photo, arguing that it was proof enough that one could be born poor and end up rich, in defence of the hustler narrative.

"The Hustler movement is not about poverty. On the contrary, it is premised on the fact that hard work channelled into any field of work/job given a conducive environment and the right government policies, can lift you out of poverty," David Zawadi argued.

UDA's Lanya is expected to face off in Matungu against  ODM's David Were, ANC's Peter Oscar Nabulindo among other leaders.

Left to Right: Hassan Omar, UDA Chairperson Johnstone Muthama and Eliud Owalo ahead of their visit to Matungu on January 18, 2021.
Left to Right: Hassan Omar, UDA Chairperson Johnstone Muthama and Eliud Owalo ahead of their visit to Matungu on January 18, 2021.
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