A new controversy has emerged within Kenya’s civic and activist circles, this time revolving around the ownership of the slogan “Kenya Ni Home.” The clash between activist Mercy Tarus and civic educator Morara Kebaso has escalated into a public feud after Tarus accused Morara of misappropriating the phrase she claims to have coined and popularized.
The Origins of the Feud
Mercy Tarus, a vocal activist who gained prominence following the Uasin Gishu Finland scandal and her active role in nationwide protests, took to her social media account on Wednesday, September 18, accusing Morara Kebaso of misusing her slogan. According to Tarus, “Kenya Ni Home” is her intellectual property, and Morara’s use of the phrase in his civic engagements amounts to theft.
“What started as an innocent tweet from Morara quickly turned into a heated argument,” Tarus posted. She accused Morara of not only stealing her slogan but also lacking originality and trying to take advantage of her movement. Tarus, whose activism has struck a chord with many Kenyans, especially the Gen Z demographic, has frequently used the slogan “Kenya Ni Home and Home must be respected” to end her statements.
In her online tirade, Tarus further alleged that Morara had repeatedly sought her guidance on personal branding and political messaging. She shared screenshots of their private conversations to prove her claims, noting that she had once advised him on how to present himself politically. “Now you want to go out there like a man, using my phrase. Kenya Ni Home and home must be respected!” Tarus exclaimed.
The Response from Morara Kebaso
Morara Kebaso, known for his civic education efforts, appeared to avoid direct confrontation, choosing instead to share videos of his daily activities. He also conducted online polls on his X account, asking his followers for advice on the best approach to handle the situation. While he did not engage in a direct rebuttal, the controversy left many speculating whether he would ultimately back down and stop using the slogan.
The Role of Miguna Miguna
The feud became so heated that it drew the attention of Canada-based lawyer and political commentator Miguna Miguna, who intervened in an attempt to mediate between the two. Miguna acknowledged the legitimacy of Tarus’ concerns and called on Morara to cease using the “Kenya Ni Home” slogan.
“I have spoken with Mercy Tarus and have also reached out to Morara. It is important that we avoid unnecessary distractions, especially at a time when we cannot afford them,” Miguna said in a tweet. He urged Morara to find another slogan for his civic activities, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
Questions of Ownership
Despite Tarus’ claim to have coined the slogan, it has since emerged that the phrase may not be as original as she believes. Social media users uncovered an old tweet from 2013, posted by politician and governance expert Joan Kanini, in which she used the phrase “Kenya ni home.” Kanini’s tweet read, “Kenya ni home, Our diversity is our strength,” predating Tarus’ popularization of the phrase by nearly a decade.
This revelation has caused a stir online, with some Kenyans siding with Morara and suggesting alternative slogans such as “Kenya ni Yetu” or “Home ni Kenya.” Regina Wambui, a user on social media, encouraged Morara to move past the feud and focus on his mission, writing, “Don’t let a silly slogan derail your purpose.”
The Impact on Activism and Civic Education
The dispute between Tarus and Morara reflects a deeper issue about intellectual property within activism. In an era where social media plays a significant role in shaping public discourse, phrases and slogans can take on new meanings and become powerful tools for movements. However, disputes like this raise questions about the ownership of such slogans and whether they can truly be considered personal intellectual property.
For now, “Kenya Ni Home” remains at the center of this contentious debate, with both sides seemingly reluctant to back down. Whether the issue will be resolved amicably or continue to fuel tensions within Kenya’s activist community remains to be seen. However, the feud has already sparked conversations about the balance between civic engagement and political ambition, as well as the ethics of claiming ownership over words intended to unite the public.
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