Nakuru artists have pointed fingers at the county government for what they term as ‘disrespecting’ creatives.

Speaking at the Nakuru players’ theatre, singer Shizo Mkenya condemned the attack of creatives by the political elite, citing the instance Governor Susan Kihika responded to a tweet by Willie Oeba, saying it was an intimidation tactic.

Shizo notes that the tweet dated June 20, was meant to suppress him from asking questions on what is happening in the county currently and seeking accountability from those in leadership roles.

“Oeba is a Kenyan citizen who must be left to enjoy his rights as enshrined in article 11, 33 and 35 of the Constitution of Kenya. We therefore demand that the governor issues a public apology to our brother Oeba for demeaning his works,” he says.

Further he mentions that they cannot allow intimidation and scaremongering in Nakuru’s creative space, adding that the governor's actions show that the office of the governor does not recognize creativity in this county, yet Nakuru is a creative UNESCO designated City.

Echoing his sentiments, Poet Willie Oeba, notes that the county does not treat creatives from Nakuru with the respect they deserve.

Poet Willie Oeba during a press briefing at the Nakuru players theatre on July 31, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“It cuts across from payment to how artists are handled in Nakuru. Barely does the pay for artists performing in events held at Nyayo garden fetch the artist anything close to sh 10,000. As a UNESCO creative city, we need to walk the talk and not be big on words,” he laments.

He noted that such acts from the government are some of the reasons that make artists move from Nakuru to other towns in the attempt to grow their career.

In the interview Oeba noted that he has been receiving threat messages from bloggers affiliated to the county administration for calling accountability in the county.

“We will not be intimidated. The constitution promotes freedom of speech and expression,” he concludes.

Nakuru artists decry intimidation by the County

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