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.
JKIA Leasing Proposal Sparks Outrage
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,
“It’s ok, we don’t have to agree on everything. Our neighbours in Rwanda are building a brand new airport to have 7 million passengers… it’s ok…”
Itumbi’s Struggle to Justify Airport Plans
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:
“Rwanda are building an airport to reach where we are. You guys are saying don’t expand that airport, let Rwanda come and overtake us. Our neighbours in Ethiopia are building an airport that is touted to be the biggest in Africa… it’s ok… you’ll have your say and I’ll hear you.”
Itumbi then attempted to appeal to the students’ future prospects within the party, saying,
“You know, at the end of the day, because you’ve joined the UDA Comrades Chapter, I’ll be recruiting you after we’ve had an exchange where you say I listen, I say you listen, and then we see where the facts and the truth is.”
Chaos Ensues as Anti-Ruto Sentiments Emerge
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.”
