Kenyan public figure Julie Gichuru tweeted on the eve of election day, however it seems that her sentiments were not well received among Kenyans online. In fact, the tweet exposed the fragmented, partisan electorate ahead of the repeat elections. Themes of poverty, partisan politics as well as ineffective governance were echo through the comments revealing that Kenyans may truly hold diverse ideas on the election.
Early to bed, early to rise to cast my vote, a right my grandparents struggled for.
Have a blessed night sweet Kenya, God never sleeps 💙🇰🇪— Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru) October 25, 2017
Reacting to the post, many did not hesitate to give the former Television anchor a reality check. With the tweet receiving over 400 retweets and replies, it gained unprecedented traction online that reveals the prevailing thoughts of many during this repeat election.
— Coach Cliff (@AnyendeCliff) October 25, 2017
Some went on to hint at Gichuru’s lineage:
https://twitter.com/jackyaluvisia1/status/923240438714290176
The conversation also highlighted the the gap between rich and poor as motivations for the vote:
As you vote remember the country is divided and because your born privileged you won't understand, but one day the poor shall be strong.
— Gambit (@MMsyengo) October 25, 2017
Others threatened to boycott her projects:
We should boycott your betting company so that you and your corrupt linage can bet alone. Nkt bure kabisa
— Senator Rogers (@RogersKirochi) October 26, 2017
Either way, it seems that during this time of intense political tension, one must chose their words wisely.
