Mwakideu made the remarks while highlighting the construction of a road in Taita Taveta, saying public figures should not be afraid to speak about developments they believe are taking place under the government.
“If you are a celebrity, speak up. Don't fear,” Mwakideu said.
The radio presenter said he was happy to see the government undertaking road construction in Taita Taveta, describing the development as a fact that should be acknowledged.
“I'm a happy man because this government is building a road in Taita Taveta. That is a fact,” Mwakideu said.
Mwakideu also insisted that his comments were not influenced by payment or political allegiance.
“I have not been paid to state this,” he said.
He further rejected the idea of being associated with either side of the political divide, saying his position was based on what he considers factual developments.
“I will never be 'Tutam' or 'Wantam', I will state facts,” Mwakideu added.
MCA Tricky questions government development narrative
Tricky, however, challenged the idea that the construction of roads should be treated as an exceptional achievement requiring celebrities to publicly promote it.
The comedian argued that road construction is a responsibility that governments have undertaken over the years.
“This is not the first government to build roads, and if we are to rank it, it will be the last,” Tricky said.
Tricky also questioned whether taxpayers should view government-funded development projects as favours being extended to citizens.
“Again, we should never worship tax-driven developments in a country,” he said.
The comedian then posed a direct question over whether the government should receive special praise for projects funded through public resources.
“Is it a favour they are doing for the country?” Tricky asked.
Tricky: Results should speak for themselves
Tricky went further, arguing that a government that is delivering effectively should not need celebrities to promote its achievements on social media.
“When the system is running, the results won't need Instagram or Tik Tok to talk about,” he said.
His remarks offered a contrasting view to Mwakideu's call for celebrities to speak up about government projects.
While Mwakideu maintained that acknowledging a road project in Taita Taveta amounted to stating a fact, Tricky questioned whether such projects should be celebrated as favours when they are financed through public resources.
What Mwakideu and Tricky disagree on
At the centre of the exchange is a broader debate over how celebrities and media personalities should discuss government development projects.
Mwakideu's position is that public figures should openly acknowledge developments they consider factual and avoid being silenced by political labels.
Tricky, on the other hand, questioned whether taxpayers should be expected to praise routine government responsibilities, arguing that the results of an effective system should speak for themselves.
The exchange has placed the role of celebrities in Kenya's political and public affairs conversation under the spotlight, particularly as public figures increasingly use social media to comment on government performance.
For now, the disagreement between Mwakideu and Tricky centres on one fundamental question: Should celebrities publicly praise government projects, or should taxpayers judge those projects as part of the government's responsibility to deliver services?
Do you want to be published? E-mail info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260
Comments
No approved comments yet.