In a controversial turn of events, the Kenyan government has criminalized the statement “kufa dereva, kufa makanga,” as political tensions escalate ahead of the impeachment hearing for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The charge sheet, dated October 8, 2024, alleges that Kebaso David Morara, during a public participation forum at the Bomas of Kenya on October 4, “did create disturbance in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by uttering the words that ‘kufa dereva, kufa makanga,’ which made the public react to the utterances.”
Morara’s arrest on Tuesday, October 8, came only days after he was cleared of previous charges, raising alarm about the growing risks for dissenters. Detectives swooped in, whisking him away in Subaru vehicles to Lang’ata Police Station for questioning over the uproar at the Bomas forum, where citizens rallied to express their views on Gachagua’s impeachment.
However, just hours later, Kebaso announced his release on free bond, stating on X, “I have been released on free bond from Karen Police Station for uttering the words KUFA MAKANGA KUFA DEREVA. I am back in town like I never left. Thank you guys for fighting for me. I will always fight for you. You are mine and I am yours. Kaende kaende. Where were we before I was interrupted?” His return has been met with relief among his supporters, but the threat to free speech in Kenya looms large.
Moments before his arrest, Morara had expressed disbelief at the situation: “Can you imagine? Does it even make sense jamani (seriously?). What is this now? Ah.” This comes on the heels of a brutal attack he suffered just days prior, heightening fears for his safety and casting a shadow over free speech in Kenya.
The political climate thickened when Morara condemned the recent abduction of Cornelius Ronoh, Kanu party’s digital communication officer. He declared, “The freedom of speech that we enjoy is not a gift from the government; it is a right. The gang-land-style abduction of Cornelius Ronoh shows how much the government hates the truth. But let me assure them one thing, tutaongea ukweli (we’ll speak the truth) without fear.”
His family is increasingly anxious for his well-being, emphasizing the imminent danger he faces. Family spokesperson Tom Moindi asserted, “The government must bring to account everyone who participated in the attack that risked his life at the Bomas of Kenya. He was seriously injured and has been receiving treatment since the attack.”
As tensions escalate, the criminalization of phrases like “kufa dereva, kufa makanga” signals a precarious moment for Kenya, where the rights of citizens to voice dissent are increasingly under threat.
