Popular comedian-turned-activist Kimtai Ruto, better known by his stage name Propesa, has reappeared after a concerning four-day silence that sparked fears of foul play. The comedian’s sudden disappearance from social media on July 22 had many speculating that he had been abducted or otherwise detained due to his outspoken activism against the Department of Immigration’s inefficiencies.
Propesa, renowned for his unique Kalenjin-style comedy and impactful comedic skits, had recently leveraged his online platform to spearhead a campaign demanding faster processing of national identity cards and passports. His activism, particularly his relentless criticism of Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, had drawn significant public attention and support.
The comedian’s campaign, characterized by a flood of tweets tagging Bitok and calling out the inefficiencies in the issuance of IDs, highlighted the plight of many Kenyans who have faced job losses and missed travel opportunities due to delays in receiving their identification documents. Propesa’s posts included sharp criticisms, such as, “Immigration PS @JuliusKBitok ukiendelea kukula pesa ya corruption hii weekend kumbuka we have evidence zimejaa DM that you have not been issuing IDs & Passports since last year December. From Monday morning we will continue posting here #BitokMustGo!” His messages often drew comparisons between the current delays and past practices, emphasizing a perceived decline in efficiency.
However, on July 22, Propesa’s social media activity abruptly ceased after a final tweet that read, “Good morning fellow Criminals.” This sudden silence led to widespread concern, with many believing he had been forcibly removed or was in trouble. Public outcry ensued, with thousands sharing ‘Free Propesa’ posters across social media platforms, reflecting the widespread support and concern for his safety.
After four days of uncertainty, Propesa finally broke his silence on July 26, revealing the reason behind his disappearance. In a statement, he explained that he had gone into hiding out of fear of arrest, exacerbated by surveillance and threats from powerful individuals displeased with his activism. He detailed that he had turned off his SIM cards to avoid tracking, leading to his absence from social media. Propesa’s return was marked by a message acknowledging the support he received during his absence and expressing gratitude for the public’s efforts to highlight his predicament.
Propesa also disclosed that his activism had attracted threats not only against him but also against his family in his village, intensifying the danger he faced. Despite these threats, he remains steadfast in his campaign, shifting his focus from merely advocating for ID issuance to challenging the controversial Maisha Card system introduced by the Immigration Department.
The Maisha Card, a new digital identity card system, has faced criticism regarding data security and transparency. Propesa’s activism has now extended to questioning the safety and privacy implications of this new system. He voiced concerns about how personal data is protected within the Maisha database and called for greater transparency and accountability.
The High Court recently intervened in the Maisha Card saga, suspending its implementation on July 25. Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s decision to halt the rollout of the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) and the Maisha Digital ID was prompted by a petition from a Garissa-based lobby group. The court’s ruling is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the new ID system.
Propesa’s resurgence after his brief disappearance underscores the challenges faced by activists in Kenya, particularly those tackling issues involving powerful institutions. His ongoing efforts to address the inefficiencies in the immigration system and to ensure the protection of personal data reflect a broader push for accountability and reform in Kenya’s public sector.
As Propesa resumes his activism, the public and his supporters will undoubtedly continue to follow his campaign closely, watching how it influences both the government’s approach to immigration and the broader discourse on data privacy and public accountability.
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