Kenyans online have not welcomed President William Ruto's message of goodwill as the world observes Father's Day.
Via X, the president shared his heartfelt message to fathers and other figures who have stepped in that capacity to nurture those in their custody.
He appreciated the roles undertaken by fathers in the family settings, congratulating them for riding the storms to remain dependable personalities to their loved ones.
"Today, we honour all fathers, the silent heroes who protect, provide, and nurture the foundation of our families. Fathers carry the weight of responsibility with quiet strength. They shape values, model resilience, and offer steadfast support through life’s seasons. In their hands, children find safety. In their presence, families prosper. Through their sacrifice, communities stand strong. To every father building stable homes and stronger societies, we thank you, and we celebrate you. May God bless all fathers, and happy Father’s Day," Ruto wrote on X.
Read More
Whilst the president was well-meaning in his post, he might not have prepared for the hostility awaiting him in the replies section.
A huge section of angered Kenyans observed that his message was hypocritical, considering many fathers had been murdered extrajudicially by operatives of his government.
They argued that the president was not morally right to send goodwill to them when many households were grieving the killings of their patriarch by armed officers of the law.
Many referenced the unfortunate tragedy of Albert Ojwang, who was killed in police custody.
The internet users noted that Ojwang's father was not in high spirits, as he had lost his son, nor was Ojwang's young son, whose father was murdered by the police.
Some of the reactions below;
Khalid Abdi said; "Albert Ojwang will never get to deliver this kind of message to his father and his son will never get to wish his father a Happy Father's Day. You carelessly robbed them of their own happiness and opportunity to do that."
Donna Mugoh: "You might be the only father unanimously hated across the country. No happy Father's Day for you. May you live in misery forever-more. Amen."
Bryan Mbai: "You should honour the dads your regime has abducted and murdered."
Owa Cali: "And how do we proudly celebrate fathers who kill other people's children?"
Mikalo: "How is the family of Albert Ojwang supposed to celebrate their father's day? Your government has increased budget allocation to the police to continue their bad mission on Kenyans."
Declassified: "Albert Ojwang's father has no one to tell him this beautiful message; his son killed and murdered."
