Amid an uproar by Kenyans online over the Thika Super Highway roadblock scene, a section of artists took to their social networks to lament the new Covid-19 containment measures.
The artists cried foul after police officers mounted roadblocks on various roads in Nairobi County on Saturday night causing traffic snarl-up that prevented motorists from reaching their places of residence in time.
Thika Super Highway, the most affected, saw hundreds of motorists stranded for hours as police enforced curfew rules.
This led to an online protest by netizens including some famed artists.
In a post directed to Deputy President William Ruto, rapper Khaligraph Jones asked the second in command to intervene in exchange for an unpaid campaign service in the 2022 presidential elections.
"Hustler, other hustlers are hurting. Some are sleeping hungry. If you help us in this situation, I will campaign for you for free in the coming elections. Kindly help unlock our country," wrote Khaligraph on his Instagram page.
Musician Otile Brown questioned Khaligraph's offer to campaign for DP Ruto voluntarily adding that the leaders should not be caressed into discharging their duties.
"But why campaign for free? If he cannot stand with citizens right now, it is upon us to decide whether he deserves the top seat or not," Otile responded.
He added: "Let's open our eyes this time around or do another 10 years of msoto."
In a long post, former gospel artist Willy Paul expressed his disappointment in President Uhuru Kenyatta's move to impose an 8 pm curfew in Nairobi and restricting movement in and out of the county.
"Kenyans are suffering now more than ever. They elected you with hopes of a better life not what they are going through now," he wrote.
Willy Paul challenged the president to show Kenyans that he is feeling their pain by easing the Covid-19 restrictions.
"Now that you have locked the country and curfew is still alive, how do you expect Kenyans to survive? Unlock our country, sir. We want to work, make money, feed our families and pay bills" We are tired!" he wrote.
On the same, comedian and radio presenter Felix Odwour popularly known as Jalang'o disclosed that artists are suffering in silence thanks to the government's order to impose an 8 pm curfew in Nairobi.
"I swear people are suffering including well-established artists and DJs. They are hungry and depression is checking in," wrote Jalang'o on his Instagram page.
He urged artists who depend on performances to earn a living to apply for a pass and leave Nairobi for other places in the country to set up shows.
"Team up and go to Homabay, Kisii, Nyeri, Meru, Mombasa, Mtwapa and accept small pay, small gigs and build a new audience. Hunger will you before Corona," advised Jalang'o.
