From Humble Beginnings to National Attention
Morara David Kebaso, a 28-year-old business professional and lawyer, has quickly become a familiar figure in the latest movement advocating for reforms in Kenya. Kebaso’s activism began modestly, with him delivering messages to Kenyans from atop his car. As his videos gained traction online, he refined his approach by blending comedy with civic education, which significantly broadened his audience.
Activism Without Political Ambitions
Despite his growing influence in civic matters, Kebaso remains adamant that he has no political ambitions. He cites the discriminatory nature of Kenya’s political landscape against young people as the primary reason for his reluctance to pursue a political career.
The Bold Student Activist of Kenyatta University
Kebaso’s activism is not a recent development; it traces back to his days at Kenyatta University. Known for his boldness and fearlessness, Kebaso was a pro-student leader who often clashed with the university administration. His most notable act of defiance was organizing what is remembered as “the mother of all strikes,” which eventually led to his suspension. The suspension came after Kebaso posted what was deemed an ‘inappropriate’ message on social media. He contested the suspension, arguing that the cited social media policy did not exist and that the university had acted contrary to its own regulations.
The “Auditor-in-Chief” of Government Projects
In his recent role as an activist, Kebaso has taken on the mantle of an “auditor-in-chief” for government projects across Kenya. He has been traveling the country, inspecting ongoing and stalled projects, with his trips sponsored by ordinary Kenyans. He revealed that his funding comes from contributions made by Kenyans who support his work, with donations ranging from as little as Sh10 to as much as Sh5,000 from abroad.
A Brush with Politics
Kebaso briefly dipped his toes into the political arena when he vied for the MCA position in the Kahawa Wendani by-elections on the Party of Economic Democratic ticket, following the demise of Cyrus Omondi. His academic journey includes studying law at Kenyatta University, after which he ventured into the furniture business, founding Morara Home Furniture Company, which continues to offer employment to youth.
A State Offer Turned Down
Kebaso’s activism has not gone unnoticed by the highest office in the land. During an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show, he alleged that he was approached by President William Ruto with an offer for a State position after his critical commentary on government projects gained widespread attention on social media. According to Kebaso, the President’s entourage initially reached out to him, followed by a personal call from the Head of State offering him a plum job.
The Early Years: Maseno School and Beyond
Before his rise to national prominence, Kebaso was already a known figure during his school days. At Maseno School, he was famously nicknamed “ODM” and was a member of Bowers House. However, his time at Maseno was cut short after he was expelled, leading him to transfer to Gekendo Secondary, where he made history by scoring an A, the first and last one the school had ever recorded since its inception in 1979.
A Legacy of Leadership: The Kebaso Family
Morara Kebaso hails from a family with a rich history of leadership and activism. His great-grandfather, John Kebaso, was the first Senator of Kisii under the Majimbo system, while his late grandfather, George Morara, served as the MP for West Mugirango. Tragically, both of them lost their lives in circumstances that Kebaso believes were more than mere coincidences.
Who Was George Morara?
Many may wonder why Nakuru City has a road named George Morara Road, which stretches from Westside Mall to the Kolen roundabout. George Morara, the youthful MP for West Mugirango, died in a road accident in Chavakali in 1970 under suspicious circumstances. This incident occurred shortly after he confronted the government about the mysterious reappearance of Tom Mboya’s assassin, Nahashon Njenga Njoroge, in a Zambian nightclub, despite the government’s claim that he had been hanged. Morara, a beneficiary of Tom Mboya’s Airlift Program, was determined to seek justice for Mboya’s death. His untimely demise, just hours after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, remains a poignant chapter in Kenya’s political history. Morara Kebaso proudly carries on the legacy of his grandfather, George Morara.