UDA legislator John Kiarie has stirred political waters after passionately defending freedom of expression for artists, a statement many interpret as veiled criticism of his own party’s growing intolerance for dissent.
The former comedian-turned-politician’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his stance while others accuse him of preparing to defect.
Sammy Kariuki fired the first salvo, sarcastically referring to Kiarie’s statement as “mic testing” for an impending political crossover.
His mocking suggestion that the MP isn’t “qualified to be out of the worship team” points to growing skepticism about Kiarie’s loyalty to UDA as political tensions rise.
Chacha countered Kiarie’s argument by emphasizing that freedom of expression has limits, reflecting the government’s frequent justification for cracking down on critical voices.
The debate took an unexpected turn when Levicks accused Kiarie of involving school children in politics, while Onsongo’s cryptic “kwani huyu ametoka praise n worship” remark added religious undertones to the discussion.
These reactions reveal the complex web of perceptions surrounding Kiarie’s political persona and artistic background.
Political analysts suggest Kiarie’s statement may signal growing discomfort within UDA ranks as the government faces criticism for suppressing creative dissent.
With artists increasingly targeted for their work, Kiarie’s defense of free expression – whether principled or politically calculated – has thrust him into the center of Kenya’s heated debate about artistic freedom versus state control.
As speculation mounts about his next move, one question lingers: Is this the beginning of a dramatic political realignment, or just another performance from Kenya’s artist-turned-politician?
By Nairobi