The upcoming “Harmony for Haiti” concert, initially scheduled for August but now postponed to September 8, 2024, has sparked significant backlash from a segment of the Kenyan population. The concert, promoted by the government as an initiative to support peace in Haiti, has been criticized by many Kenyans as a misplaced priority, especially given the recent turmoil and unresolved political challenges within Kenya itself.
The concert, organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was intended to raise awareness and garner support for the Kenyan police officers currently deployed in Haiti as part of an international mission to restore order in the violence-plagued Caribbean nation. According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, the concert’s delay was to allow for “further awareness creation and expand participation of artists from different jurisdictions.”
However, this explanation has done little to quell the growing dissatisfaction among Kenyans who question the relevance of holding such an event. The timing of the concert, coming on the heels of a series of national protests that rocked Kenya just weeks ago, has only exacerbated the public’s discontent. These protests, which resulted in over 60 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and numerous disappearances, were a response to rising discontent with the government’s handling of economic and political issues.
Critics of the “Harmony for Haiti” concert argue that it is an absurd attempt by the government to project concern for international issues while ignoring pressing domestic challenges. The sentiment that the concert is out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans has resonated widely, with many taking to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disapproval.
“How can we be supposed to attend a concert to pray for the peace of a nation that is not even in Africa? A nation that is not even in East Africa? Yet we lost lives right here in Kenya and the government never bothered to honor those souls? Who needs that concert more? Kenyans or Haitians?” one user questioned, capturing the frustration felt by many.
The criticism has also extended to the participation of Kenyan artists, particularly veteran rapper Khaligraph Jones, who was announced as one of the headliners for the event. Photos of Khaligraph signing the deal for the concert in the PS’s office have been circulated widely, prompting calls for him to reconsider his involvement. “The best thing Khaligraph can do right now, to save his career, is to walk away from that evil deal,” another user urged on X.
As the controversy surrounding the concert grows, some Kenyans have vowed to use the event as a platform for further protests against the government. Prominent activist Hanifa Adan has already pledged to mark the date on her calendar, planning to turn the concert into an anti-government demonstration. “We will turn it into a protest and carry pictures of our fallen comrades,” she stated, echoing the sentiments of many who feel the government has failed to address the grievances of its citizens.
Another activist, Shad Khalif, who has been frequently arrested during previous protests, also signaled his intent to join the demonstration, urging others to come prepared with flags, placards, and water bottles. “We have the date and venue for the next #RutoMustGo protests!” he declared, rallying supporters to turn the concert into a mass protest against President William Ruto’s administration.
The push to turn the concert into a protest has garnered support from various quarters, including non-activists who share the outrage over the government’s perceived disregard for domestic issues. Nakuru poet and civic educator Willie Oeba, known for his involvement in youth empowerment, also supported the idea, calling the concert a “joke” and urging Kenyans to participate in the protest.
With tensions running high, the “Harmony for Haiti” concert has inadvertently become a focal point for national discontent. What was intended as a gesture of international solidarity now risks becoming a stage for a significant anti-government demonstration, as Kenyans continue to grapple with unresolved issues at home.
