President Uhuru Kenyatta’s promise to pay artistes during this quarantine period until things normalise has ignited mixed reactions.
During his recent speech, the President announced that the government had allocated Ksh. 100 million to artists.
Celebrities like Willy Paul mentioned that the money would probably be used by the same people who pay them peanuts.
Here’s what the President said:
I DIRECT THE MINISTRY OF SPORTS, CULTURE, AND HERITAGE TO AVAIL KSH100M FROM THE SPORTS FUND TO OUR ARTISTES, ACTORS, AND MUSICIANS DURING THE PERIOD OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SO THEY CONTINUE TO ENTERTAIN THEIR FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS THROUGH TV, RADIO AND THE INTERNET.
This didn’t go well with a majority of Kenyans, and some came out saying Uhuru had misplaced priorities while a handful supported him.
Kate actress was among the few who praised President Uhuru for the move and taking to social media.
She wrote:
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH BILE ABOUT THIS ? PLEASE MAKE ME UNDERSTAND. I KNOW SO MANY ARTISTES WHO ARE ALMOST SLEEPING HUNGRY OR HOUSES CLOSED BECAUSE OF THIS PANDEMIC, YET STILL YOU TURN ON YOUR RADIO OR TV AND THEY PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE ????! AMA LABDA WEWE SI WA LOCALS (AS THE BOURGEOISIE SAY) MIMI NIKO SAWA AND I THANK GOD AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENTERTAIN, BUT NAJUA WENGI WANAHITAJI THIS HELP. LET’S BE HUMAN. THANK YOU MY PRESIDENT @UKENYATTA GOD BLESS YOU ????????.
Meanwhile Huddah had written:
Almost $ 1 million directed to entertainers while people don’t know where to get their next meal with the lockdown! I pity my country, people. Kenya is hell. Can you imagine not even directed to healthcare or food for those in slums.
Both sides have valid points but who makes more sense?