Itumbi Heckled at Launch of UDA’s Comrade Chapter at Bomas of Kenya

The launch of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s Comrade Chapter at the Bomas of Kenya was marred by chaotic scenes, with Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, bearing the brunt of the students’ hostility.

Itumbi found himself in a precarious position as he attempted to address a crowd of university students, many of whom were clearly opposed to the government’s recent proposals.

The atmosphere quickly turned tense as Itumbi introduced the controversial topic of leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Earlier, Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi emphasized that JKIA is not being sold to private entities.

As Itumbi began to explain the government’s stance on the proposed leasing of JKIA to Adani Enterprises Limited, he was met with boos and jeers.

The students, visibly agitated, repeatedly interrupted his speech, making it difficult for him to articulate his points.

Attempting to quell the rising discontent, Itumbi stated,

Undeterred by the hostile reception, Itumbi pressed on, trying to rationalize the proposed takeover as beneficial for Kenya’s future.

He emphasized the need for Kenya to remain competitive in the region, citing developments in neighboring countries:

Itumbi then attempted to appeal to the students’ future prospects within the party, saying,

Despite Itumbi’s efforts to engage in a dialogue, the meeting quickly spiraled out of control. The students, seemingly unconvinced by his arguments, broke into anti-President William Ruto chants.

The discord reached a fever pitch as students began singing a popular anti-government song that has since gone viral on social media platforms.

Video footage captured the students defiantly chanting, “Yote yawezekana bila Ruto” (Everything is possible without Ruto), drowning out any attempts by the speakers to regain control of the situation.

Itumbi later downplayed the events by posting on X that the debates were “radically transparent and full of passion.”