Gado’s cartoon goes viral, sparks heated debate among Kenyans

mary kulundu

February 21, 2018 12:18 PM

Has Gado rattled the snake?

A caricature by popular political cartoonist Godfrey Mwampembwa fondly known as Gado on Wednesday set the stage for a heated debate among Kenyans.

The cartoon which seems to be depicting the operations of the current Government led by President Uhuru Kenyatta defines the State as an Emperor drunk with power.

Drunken stupor

In the drawing, Gado captures a King (interpreted to be Mr Kenyatta) in a drunken stupor holding a character named Matiang’i who is armed with a gun and oozing fury. Matiang’i is also seen shouting Be Afraid, be very Afraid.

At the back of the drawing, there is a peculiar character (interpreted to be DP William Ruto) silently robbing the naked King's money, who has now blacked-out after intoxicating himself with power.

Though the cartoon never made it to any of the local dailies, it was shared widely on social media with a section nodding to the message portrayed in the cartoon.

Kenyans reactions

On Twitter Anthony Macharia said: “One picture is worth a thousand words, so said the wise”.

Others opined that the Tanzania cartoonist was being unfair to the Government and simply pushing for his own interests.

Some indicated that they were afraid to comment on the cartoon for fear of being arrested.

Here are the reactions:

mary kulundu