NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has lauded Kenya’s younger generation for what he described as an unprecedented spirit of unity, warning veteran politicians that the country’s social and political tide is shifting.
Speaking after a massive show of support for Nyeri-based content creator Kaluma Boy, Kuria said the wave of solidarity demonstrated by young Kenyans points to a “new republic” where youth are charting their own path independent of the old political order.
“To my fellow octogenarians, we have been preparing for an exam in Biology using a Literature textbook. The solidarity young people are giving to Content Creator Kaluma Boy in Othaya today is symptomatic of the new Republic,” Kuria said.
“Young people of this country have moved on without us. We are like that spare wheel at the back of a Land Rover. Smell the coffee wazee wenzangu. We lost our deposit,” he added.
To my fellow Octagenarians. We have been preparing for an exam in Biology using a Literarure Text Book. The solidarity young people are giving to Content Creator Kaluma Boy in Othaya today is symptomatic of the new Republic. Young people of this country have moved on without us.
On Sunday, thousands turned up in Othaya to support Kaluma, who has gained online attention for documenting his struggles caring for his ailing father.
The digital creator, who has been juggling tea-picking jobs to cover hospital bills, revealed that his father has been bedridden since suffering a stroke in August 2024.
“After he got sick, he went into a coma for three months. He came home in December but we’ve been in and out of hospital since then. The medications are expensive, and it has been very hard for us,” Kaluma said in a heartfelt appeal for help.
His story went viral, prompting Kenyans on social media to mobilize resources and arrange a large-scale fundraiser.
Video clips showed convoys of buses making their way to Othaya as thousands of well-wishers gathered to offer their support.
The groundswell of solidarity also sparked debate over the role of government in addressing citizens’ healthcare needs.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah praised Kenyans for turning up in large numbers, but criticized authorities for failing vulnerable families.
“Big up to Kenyans who pulled up for Kaluma in Nyeri. That’s real community vibes and true Kenyans for Kenyans. But shame on the government and the Social Health Authority for abandoning families,” Omtatah said.
Big up to Kenyans who pulled up for Kaluma in Nyeri. That’s real community vibes & true Kenyans for Kenyans. But shame on Gov’t & SHA for abandoning families.
