This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On July 29, 2019, Kenyans on Twitter expressed outrage over a tweet by blogger Robert Alai, who had called on Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso to step aside due to her illness, just hours before her death.
Alai's tweet, which sparked widespread criticism, read: "Governor Awiti (Homabay) and Joyce Laboso (Bomet) should leave office until they fully recover. The way they hold the respective counties hostage with their illnesses is wrong. It’s like the counties are their personal properties."
His remarks were met with anger and disappointment from many, who called on him to pull down the tweet. Some Twitter users also expressed their shock and sadness over Laboso's passing, with many condemning Alai's insensitive comments.
"Who thinks that he won’t die, No one is immortal, these are people’s mum, daughters, grandmother’s, aunts and what have you. I dint know if yo8 think utaishi hapa Milele. You fool," commented @KabarakFinest01.
"Very insensitive human being" was how @LindaSigei described Alai, while @MrSteveOtieno posted: "Someone will one day wish the same for you, the internet never forgets."
"Look who is talking… one who can’t even afford to bail himself out of a police cell. Next time nani usitusumbue na Paybill tafadhali. Again, nowhere in law it’s stated Governors/leaders who fall sick have to step aside. Karma is watching you….weeeh," tweeted @ItsOnyango.
"Hope you’re happy now coz she’s dead….Am not here to judge but one day we shall revisit this post,very insensitive post have ever seen," tweeted @leleikipleting.
"Nature has its ways of paying back don’t mock it. It may not be you, but soon or later it will hit back. Stop playing a Demi God in society. Go apologize to your family in advance," added owinovic owinskie.
"You speak as if you are immortal! How insensitive can you be Alai? Happy now that she’s gone?." commented @LyndaMuthoni.
