The anti-government movement in Kenya, which gained momentum during protests against the controversial 2024 Finance Bill, is now facing internal discord.
At the heart of this conflict is a dispute over the ownership of the slogan “Kenya Ni Home,” pitting two prominent activists, Morara Kebaso and Mercy Tarus. Initially, Morara, who leads a civic education group, and Tarus, known for her outspoken criticism of government officials, presented a united front. They shared messages of solidarity on social media, emphasizing their shared goal of catalyzing socio-political change in Kenya. Morara even tweeted about the movement’s potential to fundamentally alter the country’s landscape, with Tarus expressing her support.
However, this facade of unity quickly crumbled when Morara suggested changing the slogan, citing its prior use by another civic education group. His public request for new slogan ideas reignited simmering tensions. Tarus responded forcefully on social media, accusing Morara of attempting to exploit the movement’s collective identity for personal gain. She emphasizes that while they might share a common adversary, their motivations differ significantly. Tarus further alleges that Morara routinely appropriated her ideas without acknowledgement.
She claims that her advice and initiatives were often co-opted by Morara without proper credit. Adding fuel to the fire, Morara recently announced receiving a mansion from an anonymous benefactor to serve as his campaign headquarters. This revelation sparked speculation about potential shifts towards elitism within the movement and further exacerbated divisions among activists. This clash between two influential figures has sent shockwaves through the anti-government grassroots efforts that once united diverse groups under a common ideological banner. The dispute over the “Kenya Ni Home” slogan has come to symbolize a larger struggle, reflecting the fractured nature of the movement and the divergent priorities of its leaders.
Morara, a prominent Kenyan lawyer and activist, has gained widespread recognition for his outspoken stance on various development initiatives in the country. His activism has granted him a substantial online following, which has grown significantly since he embarked on a nationwide tour to inspect the progress of government-initiated projects. This endeavor has solidified his position as a key figure in the realm of public accountability.
