Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba has broken silence after his experience on Friday when he encountered a hostile crowd during a memorial show held for the late comedian Fred Omondi.
In a statement, Ababu acknowledged the booing from individuals attending the event in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, terming it as a pleasing experience.
“Incredible talent Freddie, snatched from our midst way too young.
“Fred’s comedy, as with our other creatives, mirrors Kenya’s robust democratic culture encapsuled in Article 37 of the Constitution, among others, which we must cherish and guard jealously as the cornerstone of our national stability,” he stated.
Also Read: Churchill Makes Plea to Kenyans Ahead of Fred Omondi Burial
Ababu Sends Message to Finance Bill Opposers
In his statement, CS Ababu said that his hecklers were emotional about the matter, adding that everyone had a role to play in building the country at the end of the day, including paying taxes.
“And so, I was quite pleased to come face to face with some of our fellow citizens opposed to the #FinanceBill2024.
“When emotions settle, blinkers fall off and fact is shifted from fiction, reality will dawn: the reality that we have a country to build, a task in which each of us have a role. Including the responsibility to pay taxes for national self-sustenance,” added Ababu.
According to him, the Finance Bill will transform the creative industry including facilitating the Whoz Next project set to commence in July.
“I am delighted that the Creative Economy is a central pillar in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“And the Finance Bill will facilitate robust initiatives like the transformative #WhozNext project for Kenyan creatives, which we are rolling out next month under the Talanta Hela flagship. Kenya tunajenga pamoja,” Ababu went on to explain.
During the event, the CS made a KSh300,000 donation to the family of the deceased comedian, but his sentiments and money were not received warmly by the crowd.
Although he went on with his speech, he was continuously interrupted with ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants from the crowd.
Also Read: Police Reveal Boda Boda Blunder That Left Fred Omondi Dead
Death of Fred Omondi
Fred Omondi was the younger brother to comedian and activist Eric Omondi. He passed away on June 15, in a tragic road accident along Kangundo Road.
Fred was riding on a motorcycle when a Forward Sacco bus headed towards the Central Business District (CBD) from Kayole estate collided head on with the motorcycle headed in the opposite direction.
He died on the spot from the impact, while Stephen Maina, who was riding the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital.
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