George Wackoyah's humour and other jokes erode our value system

George Wajackoyah during the launch of Roots Party manifesto at KICC. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Back in the 2013 General Election, Mohammed Abduba Dida captured the attention of the nation when he vied for the presidency on the Alliance of Real Change party. The former teacher of English Literature and Religion at Lenana School, and Daadab Secondary School, became a high pressure release valve for the highly charged election atmosphere.

Abduba drew significant attention with his high sense of humour on the state of the nation and critical matters of leadership. Having put almost no money into his campaign, it is amazing that he faired quite well in the elections, garnering over 52,000 votes, ahead of several seasoned politicians.

In 2017, it was Kamotho Martin – a poor Nairobian – who took centre stage when a photograph of him eating githeri, as he queued to vote, was posted on social media. Kenyans quickly nicknamed him “Githeri Man” and he immediately became the release valve in the do or die elections. Several of his cropped pictures appeared showing him dinning with dignitaries and celebrities – even addressing the UN Council.