Kenyans have been sharing viral silhouettes that highlight perceived shortcomings of President William Ruto, with the illustrations quickly gaining traction on social media.
The black-and-white depictions, which include images of Ruto and other government officials, sparked widespread conversation, prompting a response from the government.
In reaction to the growing buzz, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo expressed his surprise at the creativity behind the silhouettes. He acknowledged the artistic effort but did not comment further on the political implications of the viral images.
Nairobi – The silhouettes, which have been circulating online for weeks, have become a focal point of public debate, with many using the illustrations to critique the current administration.
Govt Responds to Viral Silhouettes Criticizing Ruto
Kenyans have been using viral silhouettes to express their dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza government, circulating widely on social media. The images, which feature President William Ruto and other officials, have sparked significant online discussion, prompting a response from the government.
What did the government say about Ruto’s silhouettes?
In an interview with Citizen TV, Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, was asked whether the government was seeking the individual responsible for creating the silhouettes.
Omollo responded by expressing admiration for the creativity behind the illustrations, dismissing any idea that the government would take action against the creator. Instead, he highlighted the potential of such creative technologies, suggesting that the state could explore ways to harness them for greater impact, signaling an unexpected positive view of the viral content.
“But, of course, even the creativity, whether we might not like it, shows the opportunities that are there. Probably there is so much that we can do with technology and take a cue from some of these people,” Omollo said.
Omollo suggested that the individual could explore opportunities to generate revenue by creating silhouettes that are non-ridiculing, allowing them to earn income respectfully.
“They can even look for ways to monetize it in a manner that is not ridiculing,” Omollo stated.
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Did Dennis Itumbi Counter the Ruto Silhouettes?
In response to the viral silhouettes critiquing President William Ruto’s leadership, the President’s communication team launched a counter-campaign aimed at highlighting his administration’s achievements.
On Wednesday, November 14, Dennis Itumbi shared a graphic under the hashtag #RutoDelivers, outlining the progress made during Ruto’s tenure, including advancements in manufacturing and other areas.
The campaign also saw Ruto’s daughter, Charlene, sharing one of the graphics, claiming that inflation had decreased under her father’s leadership.
However, the public relations effort seemed to have little impact, as many Kenyans quickly edited the graphics to portray a different narrative, undermining the intended message and continuing the online debate over the government’s performance.