Recent reports regarding the incident in Nyamira and similar protests across Kenya highlight growing tension over political mobilization and unfulfilled financial promises:Â
In Nyamira, youth reportedly set fire to UDA merchandise at Sironga after receiving Ksh 1,200. They claimed they were mobilized with the promise of higher pay to chant the “Tutam” slogan (shorthand for Tutaona Mbele) but felt exploited when the actual cash handed out was less than expected.
The “Tutam” slogan has recently been used by youth groups at rallies, such as the “Linda Mwananchi” event in Busia, where some alleged they were paid by government-aligned actors to disrupt proceedings.
This is part of a broader trend of merchandise-burning protests. In Eldoret, youth burned UDA t-shirts while chanting “Wantam” (One Term) as a sign of dissatisfaction with the current administration.
A similar incident occurred in Mbeere North ahead of a local by-election.Despite these protests, UDA leadership has urged grassroots supporters to wear party colors with “pride” and is moving forward with grassroots elections scheduled for March 28, 2026.
The unrest coincides with local grievances in Nyamira County, where residents have also protested the suspension of World Bank funds due to alleged mismanagement and exclusion from national road projects.
By Anthony Solly
