- Mining and Blue Economy CS Ali Hassan Joho criticized online critics of President William Ruto’s administration during a rally in Taita Taveta.
- Joho accused social media users of benefiting from government-provided internet while engaging in “unproductive criticism.”
- His comments sparked uproar, with critics accusing him of threatening freedom of expression and dismissing citizens’ concerns.
Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has come under fire for remarks targeting social media users critical of the government. Speaking at a public rally in Taita Taveta on December 2, Joho condemned online critics, accusing them of being unproductive and benefiting from free government internet services
Joho’s Remarks
Joho expressed frustration with citizens who use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to challenge government policies. He argued that effective nation-building requires practical efforts rather than debates online.
“There are some people in Nairobi who have smartphones and data. The data may even be the free Wi-Fi provided by Ruto. All they do is criticize the government. While they talk, we are on the ground working,” Joho said.
He warned that the government could respond firmly to persistent detractors, hinting at potential actions against bloggers.
Social Media Outrage
Joho’s statements sparked widespread backlash, with many Kenyans accusing him of undermining freedom of expression.
Critics argued that social media is a crucial tool for holding public officials accountable. Some noted the irony of Joho’s comments, given the government’s reliance on these platforms for communication and public engagement.
Others took to Twitter to express their discontent:
- @KiptooWrites: “Joho should understand that criticism is not hate. It’s about keeping the government in check!”
- @MumbiSpeaks: “Freedom of expression is not negotiable. Joho must apologize for his reckless remarks.”
- @OchiengMutai: “Using free Wi-Fi doesn’t disqualify citizens from questioning the government. Joho’s comments are disappointing.”
Calls for Boycott
Some social media users urged boycotts of businesses linked to Joho, framing his comments as dismissive of the legitimate concerns of ordinary Kenyans.
Joho’s remarks have ignited a debate on the role of social media in governance and accountability. As public officials face increasing scrutiny online, the balance between free speech and constructive diale remains a pressing issue in Kenya’s political landscape.
