Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s visit to his driver, Gitari, who was recently shot during political unrest in Nyahururu, has sparked an intense debate online after photos shared from the driver’s home revealed the living conditions of the driver.
In his social media message dated August 2, Kang’ata said he had visited and comforted Gitari at his home following the shooting incident.
The governor thanked God for sparing his driver’s life after the attack, which occurred during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu in July.
“Visited and comforted Gitari at his home-the driver shot at Nyahururu. God saved him,” Irungu Kang’ata noted.
Kang’ata’s visit follows Gitari’s injury during a political gathering in Nyahururu on July 12, where leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement had attended a church service.
Governor Kang’ata announced shortly after the incident that his driver had been shot during the event.
According to the governor, the rally had been disrupted by violence that included stone-throwing and confrontations involving security officers and alleged goons.
Kang’ata further alleged that Gitari sustained a gunshot wound to the chest in a targeted attack and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Also Read: New Twist in Kang’ata Drivers Shooting
Kang’ata under Public Scrutiny
While many social media users wished Gitari a quick recovery, a large section of commenters focused on his modest home.
In addition, others questioned whether a man entrusted with driving a governor should be living in such conditions.
Some users urged Kang’ata to help improve the driver’s living standards, with several suggesting that the governor build him a house as a gesture of appreciation after he survived a near-fatal incident.
Others defended Kang’ata, arguing that Gitari is a salaried public officer whose personal financial decisions and living arrangements are his own responsibility.
Sammy Kigo, a member of the public, has called out the hypocrisy of Kenyans, noting that some of those commenting on the living conditions of the driver are probably living under worse conditions.
In support of Sammy Kigo’s statement, Julie Genfay explained that upgrading one’s living conditions is a personal commitment and asked Kenyans to be logical.
In addition, she argued that the driver, having been an employee of the Governor, should have better accommodation, citing that drivers and workers of the Governor receive good tips.
“Can we be logical? If this guy has been receiving his salary and he has not been employed recently, then his house should not be in that condition. Call a spade a spade and not a big spoon,” Julie Genfay stated.
The discussion quickly turned into a wider conversation about employee welfare, leadership and the expectations placed on political leaders regarding the people who work closely with them.
Also Read: Irungu Kang’ataDriver Shot
Public Call to the Governor
Despite the driver surviving the shooting, many Kenyans online shifted their attention to photographs from Gitari’s residence.
Some described the situation as an opportunity for Kang’ata to support a staff member who had risked his life while on duty.
“Build for him a house,” was among the most repeated sentiments, while others argued that a good leader should help improve the welfare of those around him and increase their salary.
However, another group of users pushed back against the criticism, noting that Gitari is a civil servant who earns a salary and has the right to choose how to spend his income.
They argued that an employee’s housing situation should not automatically be viewed as the responsibility of an employer.
Others emphasized that financial obligations such as school fees, family responsibilities and investments could explain why an individual may choose not to prioritize building or upgrading a home.
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