In recent weeks, a trend has emerged on social media where silhouettes have been created to mimic the likeness of President William Ruto. This phenomenon has sparked curiosity among Kenyans regarding the identity of the person behind it.
Many have questioned the government’s stance on the creator of these silhouettes and whether their actions violate any laws.
Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security, conducted an investigation into the matter and revealed that the government does not plan to take legal action against the individual responsible for the trend.
During an interview on Citizen TV on the night of December 11, Omollo stated that the government has no intention of locating or charging the artist behind the silhouettes. He emphasized that while the individual’s creativity was being expressed negatively, they still acknowledged the talent exhibited.
According to Omollo, the government prefers to support the individual in refining their creative talents and potentially finding ways to monetize their skills positively. “The level of creativity among Kenyans is quite amazing and interesting. It demonstrates the potential of technology. They could explore ways to earn income without ridiculing others,” Omollo remarked.
He made this comment in response to a viewer’s question about the silhouette creator.
In recent weeks, Kenyans on social media have enjoyed the humorous silhouettes that caricature high-profile leaders in the country. However, the underlying intention of the anonymous artist appears to be casting these leaders in a negative light.
Interestingly, the government seemed to engage with this trend when Dennis Itumbi, the head of Special Projects and Creative Economy in the Office of the President, countered the negative portrayals with his silhouettes. His artwork aimed to highlight the achievements of the president instead.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, allowing Kenyans to express their opinions freely on social media. However, some senior government officials, including Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, have criticized the manner in which these freedoms are exercised, particularly concerning criticism of the government.
