According to an opinion piece posted on her brother Junior’s Facebook, Raila Odinga’s daughter Winnie expressed frustration over the online criticism of lower-class individuals who participate in protests.
The Kenyan middle class’ online chastism of the lower class right to protest is the most disgusting, elitist thing I’ve ever seen in my life and I simply cannot believe this is Kenya.
Winnie criticized the notion that people from lower-class backgrounds take to the streets because they are commanded to do so by politicians or because they are unable to reason. She emphasized the struggles faced by individuals such as housegirls who work for minimal wages, stating it is disdainful and elitist to refer to poverty-stricken people as "dear stupid Kenyans."
She argued that paying someone less than 50,000 shillings a month contributes to the creation of homes in slums, saying did you think 12,500 would afford your househelp a chalet in Muthaiga?
However, some have countered Winnie's argument, pointing out that 50,000 shillings is often the salary of the 'middle class' Kenyan, and that suggesting housegirls should be paid such amounts is unrealistic given the current economic situation. They argue that the average salary for housegirls in Nairobi is likely around 5,000 shillings, and even lower in other parts of the country.
Winnie also encouraged readers to educate themselves by reading The Flame of Freedom, which describes her father's experiences fighting for multi-party democracy and freedom of expression.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi Wire.
