The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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What was expected to be a routine press briefing quickly turned dramatic.
Many had anticipated the usual formal statements in polished English, followed by stakeholders expressing agreement with the government’s position.
But in today’s bold and outspoken Kenya, things took a different turn.
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Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi found himself in an awkward position during a joint press conference on the recent fuel price hikes alongside Transport CS Davis Chirchir.
Just moments after Wandayi concluded what appeared to be a consensus statement, one stakeholder requested to speak.
The man openly contradicted the CS, rejecting claims that an agreement had been reached over the ongoing matatu strike.
“With all due respect, we did say that we are going to communicate here clearly and openly that we have not agreed so that we carry this conversation forward,” he said.
“We didn’t agree. They gave us Sh10 and we had proposed between Sh30 and Sh35. That was the communication. With all due respect, we respect each one of us and that is what we want to go out. The strike is still on.”
The man who boldly confronted the Cabinet Secretary was later identified as Kennedy Kaunda, CEO of the Tourist Guides Association.
Speaking during a TV interview after the clip went viral, Kaunda admitted he had not expected the public attention.
“With all due respect, I didn’t see this coming,” he said humorously.
Explaining why he chose to speak out, Kaunda said he was surprised when the CS announced that a deal had been reached.
“We had discussions with all stakeholders in the transport sector. The agreement was that we postpone and return for consultations. The offer that had been presented to us was not accepted. We then agreed to address the media and issue a statement,” he explained.
“When Wandayi and Chirchir entered the boardroom, I was shocked when he declared that we had reached an agreement. My conscience pushed me to speak to Kenyans who have been affected by the fuel price increase,” he added.
Since the incident, Kaunda has become an internet sensation, with social media users turning his now-famous phrase “With all due respect” into memes and humorous captions.
On X, formerly Twitter, many praised him for publicly standing his ground against the government narrative.
“This is exactly the kind of courage Kenya needs. Speak the truth publicly. Don’t let leaders rewrite reality while cameras are rolling,” wrote one user identified as Sholard.
Another user, Ty Ngachira, posted: “The way he stepped forward. He refused to be used for a photo opportunity. Presence is not submission… wacha niongee.”
