President William Ruto’s advisor on constitutional affairs, Prof. Makau Mutua, has sparked public outrage after sharing a photo of luxury cigars on social media with the caption: “For CIGAR connoisseurs ONLY. Sigara Kubwa! @HassanAliJoho.”
Public Backlash After Salary Disclosure
The uproar comes just days after Mutua disclosed during a Citizen TV interview that presidential advisors earn salaries equivalent to Cabinet Secretaries, whose monthly pay is around Sh1 million according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Many Kenyans — especially Gen Z activists — criticized his post, linking it to the grievances that fueled the June 2024 nationwide protests. The demonstrations were partly driven by anger over leaders flaunting wealth, culminating in the storming of Parliament and cyber-attacks on politicians.
Gen Z Reactions Online
Young Kenyans on social media accused Mutua of insensitivity, arguing that public servants should exercise humility in a country still grappling with unemployment and economic challenges.
“This is the same tone-deaf display that pushed us to the streets last year,” one X (Twitter) user wrote.
The cigar photo has since fueled wider debate about the lifestyle of state officials, accountability, and whether those in positions of influence are out of touch with ordinary citizens.
Related: Why Gen Z protests reshaped Kenyan politics
