Months after the government cautioned Kenyans against victimizing individuals by sharing their personal information on social media, former President Uhuru Kenyatta has found himself on the receiving end.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner had earlier in June issued the warning in the wake of a new trend where sections of social media users were mobilizing targeted attacks on persons perceived to have done wrong.
The attacks included asking for the targets’ names, telephone numbers, location, and details of family members to be shared online for the respective individuals to be mocked and insulted.
This trend once again appears to have gained impetus after former President Kenyatta’s phone number was leaked on social media this week in a public push to oppose his meeting with President William Ruto.
Kenyatta and Ruto on Monday, December 9, held a closed-door meeting at the former’s rural home in Ichaweri village of Gatundu South, Kiambu County.
The unexpected meeting between the two, which has sent shockwaves in the political landscape, has led a section of Kenyans to direct their anger at Kenyatta by leaking his phone number while waiting with bated breath to witness its implications ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kenyans flood Uhuru Kenyatta’s phone number
On December 10, the former head of state’s number was leaked, with Kenyans on social media going further to share various messages sent to him.
The breach quickly gained traction, sparking a frenzy of reactions, with some expressing outrage following Uhuru’s meeting with Ruto.
Most Kenyans went to respectfully urge Kenyatta not to form an alliance with the President Ruto, lamenting that his administration has been marred by corruption, which has harmed the country’s institutions and the trust of the people.
“As a leader who has always stood for integrity and justice, I believe your association with this government could undermine your legacy and the values you have long upheld. The nation needs leaders who prioritize transparency and the well-being of the people, and I trust you will continue to lead by example,” read one of the WhatsApp messages by user Eonyango.
“Mr. President, we respect you sana. Please don’t allow him (Ruto) in your space…. Let him carry his own cross… please senior we respect you,” read another WhatsApp message sent by a Kenyan.
Easter Adrian shared a screenshot of the messages sent to Uhuru which read, “I thought you said you don’t want headaches! Why did you invite him (Ruto) yesterday? Declare your stand early……. We shall and must liberate this country whether you like it or not!!! Is this how you want to be remembered?”
“With due respect sir. You had sanitized your legacy by sacrificing Raila which was a brilliant move but now why risk to soil and blasphemy your name by boarding a sailing ship. Sir, I am sorry but associating with Ruto you’re gaining speed on a wrong road,” a screenshot of another WhatsApp message sent to the retired president shared by Smithsmid read in part.
Kenyatta meets Ruto
President Ruto on Tuesday explained his meeting with Kenyatta, saying that they must continually build bridges as leaders instead of creating barriers underlining that the collective strength of all stakeholders is key to addressing the country’s challenges.
According to the head of state, it is for this reason that he is now working with African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson candidate Raila Odinga and Kenyatta.
On Monday, Ruto paid a courtesy call to Uhuru at his Ichaweri home where they discussed national and regional issues.
“I thanked him for his continued role as a national statesman and for peace-making in the region,” Ruto wrote.
A statement from State House stated that the two leaders appreciated the need to achieve broader political consensus in the governance of the country to accelerate inclusive growth and fulfil the national development agenda.
By thekenyantimes