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Lawyer leveraging comedy, satire to advance civic education

Kebaso began his activism modestly, delivering messages to Kenyans from atop his car.

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by JACKTONE LAWI

Sasa02 August 2024 - 12:10

In Summary


  • •He disclosed that his success in the furniture industry came after experimenting with various businesses.
  • •In just a month, his online civic education efforts have gained significant traction.
Morara Kebaso, a 28-year-old business professional and lawyer.

 Morara Kebaso, a 28-year-old business professional and lawyer, has emerged as a familiar figure in the latest movement pushing for reforms in the country.

Kebaso began his activism modestly, delivering messages to Kenyans from atop his car.

As his videos gained popularity online, he refined his approach, combining comedy with civic education to engage a wider audience.

"My intention is to speak to the average Kenyan in a way they can understand. Politicians love to address us from their vehicles, so I thought, 'What better way to deliver my message than to mimic their style,” said Kebaso.

Kebaso, who was virtually unknown just a few weeks ago, has quickly become the internet’s darling, quickly racking up over 50,000 TikTok followers in a matter of days.

In just a month, his online civic education efforts have gained significant traction.

While he still insists that he is not a content creator, Kebaso says that his duty is to inform the masses in a language they can understand.

Using satire, he highlights the shortcomings of the political class while infusing his content with civic education.

Despite his active civic engagement, Kebaso says he has no political ambitions due to what he terms the discriminatory nature of Kenya's political landscape against young people.

Kebaso's videos, which often feature him in various roles such as a Kenyan bishop, have resonated with many.

Speaking about the Gen Z movement, he expressed his admiration for the new push for reforms in the country’s leadership.

"You've already done a lot because, number one, your MP now knows that he must vote properly if he wants to come back to the village. Number two, the president now knows that there is a generation that is more aware and able to access information." He said.

The activists journey from a businessman to a civic-minded satirist reflects the broader awakening among young Kenyans, driven by a desire for better governance and accountability.

"On the 8th of August, we hope the President is ready to listen and act," Kebaso said.

The movement has gained significant online momentum, with thousands of Kenyans supporting the cause on social media.

 He cautioned about the consequences of ignoring the people's voices, asserting that Kenyans know what they want but are being denied the opportunity to pursue their solutions.

"We want to determine our future, and right now, politicians are our biggest obstacle," he said.

online following, particularly on TikTok, where he has amassed nearly 60,000 followers in just four weeks.

He disclosed that his success in the furniture industry came after experimenting with various businesses.


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