Political cartooning has always carried risks in Kenya, and things have escalated recently. With the abduction of Gideon Kibet, popularly known as Kibet Bull, we are reminded of the dangers faced by those who use satire to hold power accountable. Kibet's bold caricatures aimed squarely at President William Ruto have not only made him the target of the government but have also ignited conversations about broader issues of censorship and authoritarianism.
Until recently, cartoonists had managed to avoid direct persecution during even the toughest authoritarian regimes, including the oppressive era of Daniel arap Moi. But the recent crackdown by Ruto's administration is indicative of its fragility. Kibet and his brother went missing on Christmas Eve, and reports suggest police involvement, raising alarms among human rights advocates.
According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, more than 82 individuals have been reported missing over the last seven months. This wave of abductions appears to be the government's response to the protests sparked by Ruto's increasingly authoritarian measures. These protests followed his questionable ascent to power, where he garnered only about one-third of the vote during the 2022 election.
Cartooning, as noted by many political analysts, thrives on the balance of power. Where there are totalitarian systems, artists are expected to praise the regime. But when rulers become insecure, as Ruto has displayed, the true role of cartoonists as societal watchdogs is revealed. Kibet's illustrations have earned him admiration across the nation, presenting the rigid foolishness of the current administration to millions—a risky yet brave endeavor.
Following the unsettling news surrounding Kibet, the Kenyan society has witnessed increasing condemnation of the state’s heavy-handed tactics. Ruto acknowledged the issue of excessive actions by security forces and stated his intent to curb future abductions during his New Year's message. Many interpreted this as tacit admission of government complicity.
Alongside this political turmoil, community health workers (CHWs) like Millicent Miruka tirelessly strive to improve local health systems, often without adequate recognition or compensation. Miruka, equipped with vast knowledge and compassion, embodies the spirit of grassroots health care. Despite working without much acknowledgment, CHWs like her provide indispensable services to families throughout Kenya.
Across the country, there are roughly 100,000 CHWs, most of whom are women. These individuals often perform the roles of nurses and clinical officers, yet endure inadequate pay, historically earning between $15 and $35 per month. The government announced reforms recently, aiming to standardize pay at about $35, though many voice concerns about still being treated as expendable.
Miruka reflects on her own experiences dealing with the consequences of inadequate healthcare. The death of her young daughter from malnutrition instigated her transformation from grieving mother to dedicated health worker. Despite her tragic past, she sees improvements, noting donor funding directed toward enhancing community health initiatives. Yet the local system remains strained, with some areas deemed 'health deserts,' leaving many without timely access to medical care.
The Global Fund, which allocates significant resources to combat pandemics, recognizes the potential of CHWs for health outreach, budgeting hundreds of millions for Kenyan programs over the next several years. The trust established by community health volunteers enables them to effectively disseminate knowledge on various health issues, thereby preventing illness rather than treating it.
But as CHWs become integral to healthcare delivery, the lack of professional status and pay continues to stifle their contributions. The new government initiatives providing medical kits and digital support may help, but there remains much work to do to improve their situations.
Meanwhile, misinformation exacerbates the problems faced by the country. The recent circulation of deepfake videos featuring supposed statements from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatening to withhold aid from Kenya has fueled confusion amid political strife. One such video warned of consequences if state-sponsored abductions continued, garnering significant attention on social media.
Social media has become instrumental in spreading not only news but also false information surrounding the Kenyan government's activities. While some Kenyans expressed hope at the prospect of international support against the abductions, others warned against the dangers of misinformation. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, had previously called for accountability from Ruto's government concerning security forces’ actions.
Moving forward, the challenge remains for Kenyans to navigate this troubled political climate, where the interplay of satire, community health, and digital information will play pivotal roles. The resilience demonstrated by cartoonists like Kibet Bull and health workers like Millicent Miruka highlights the courage displayed by those advocating for justice and equity amid challenges. Their commitment to these causes is not just about improving one sector or surviving the tyrannies of power but about laying the groundwork for Kenya's future.