Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir is facing widespread backlash from Kenyans, particularly Mombasa residents, after it emerged that he had booked Tanzanian singer Jay Melody to perform at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) 20th anniversary celebrations set for Saturday, November 15, in Mombasa.
Nairobi News understands that ODM leaders, members and delegates converged in Mombasa on the stated date to mark the party’s two decades of existence and political activity in Kenya.
The ODM leadership organised what it termed the “mother of all” 20th anniversary celebrations, inviting thousands of guests, including former president Uhuru Kenyatta and sitting President William Ruto.
Preparations for the highly anticipated event at Mama Ngina Waterfront were completed on the evening of Thursday, November 14.
ALSO READ: Oga Obinna accuses section of ODM leaders of hiring goons to attack him at Raila Odinga’s burial
Party officials conducted a final inspection of the venue to assess the readiness of the grounds, confirming that everything was in place ahead of the major rally and music concert scheduled for Saturday.
Governor Abdulswamad, who also serves as ODM’s deputy party leader, led the inspection and assured the public that all preparations, including security had been finalised.
“The celebration will begin on Friday at Fort Jesus where the ODM Women’s League and youth groups will entertain the public. Later in the evening, other events will continue at Mapembeni,” he said.
He added that over 100,000 delegates were expected to attend, including guests from across the country.
The governor also noted that the event would serve as a tribute to former ODM party leader Raila Amollo Odinga, honouring his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice and social equality.
To build momentum for the celebrations, Abdulswamad announced that Tanzanian singer Jay Melody would headline the entertainment lineup.
Posting on his Facebook page on Friday, November 14, the governor shared a video of Jay Melody confirming his attendance, adding the caption:
“Usikose.”
While some Kenyans praised the event preparations, many criticised the governor and the organising committee for what they termed a lack of patriotism and disregard for local talent.
Majority laid blame on Abdulswamad, holding that he is the hosting Governor, therefore had a say on who would perform during the event, held in his county.
A significant number of netizens accused the county leadership of sidelining Kenyan musicians in favour of foreign artists, questioning why ODM would pay a foreign entertainer millions of shillings for a performance that could be delivered by local stars such as Bien Aime, Susumila, Frankie Dee and others.
Some even reminded the governor of the criticism former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho faced for regularly booking Tanzanian artists over Kenyan performers during local events.
ALSO READ: For Baba: Oga Obinna goes bald in honour of Raila Odinga
Below are some of the reactions from Kenyans online:
Chrispin Mumba said:
“Upuzi huu… better munge leta wasanii wenye wameimba nyimbo za ODM na za Baba.”
Hassan Acquilis posted:
“Gavana hapa mnakosea sana… Kenya kuna wasanii wakubwa ambao wamempenda Raila Odinga miaka yote, mbona msiwatumie wao kutumbuiza? Nkareya sana.”
Alfred Dzombo stated:
“Si hawa wasanii wa TZ tulisema wasikuje ku-perform Kenya… And isitoshe si Kenya tuko na wasanii.”
Manucho Blighter wrote:
“Bado mnaleta wasanii wa TZ ku-perform Kenya, tena hapa Mombasa… Wasanii wetu ni wakali sana; they need your support.”
Koncki Nocko said:
“Leteni wasanii wetu nyie, acheni nyege.”
Misiko Mo added:
“Kama wewe ni Mkenya na umekasirika kama mimi, weka like.”
Bidii Hamisi posted:
“Mtu kama Bien ni msanii mkubwa sana… sijapenda wanaokushauri, mheshimiwa.”
Brian Bruno said:
“Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, tafadhali Mr Governor, sikiza Wakenya… Wasanii wetu wamemwimbia Raila Odinga ni wengi sana. Mtaharibu sherehe nyinyi.”
This is not the first time Mombasa’s leadership has been criticised for overlooking Kenyan artists in favour of foreign performers.
From Joho’s administration to Abdulswamad’s, the county’s top leadership has repeatedly been accused of favouring Bongo Flava acts and undermining local acts, killing the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” spirit while at it.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
