This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On October 6, 2019, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen sparked outrage on Twitter after questioning the affordability of a house in Diani, Mombasa, owned by journalist Tony Gachoka.
Murkomen's tweet, which has since been deleted, suggested that Gachoka could not afford the house, citing his salary as a journalist.
However, Gachoka's fans and supporters quickly came to his defense, pointing out that Murkomen's comments were not only unnecessary but also hurtful.
One Twitter user, @MuyelaRobertob, responded to Murkomen's tweet by saying, 'Tofauti na wengine, pesa za Gachoka zinaweza kuonekana zilipotoka. Wengine wetu ni wazee kiwango cha kuwa tunaweza kumbuka kumuona Gachoka akifanya kazi. Wengine pesa zao ni za 'kubarikiwa'.'
Another user, @NelsonRido, added, 'Huyu kijana baba yake alikua sawa si kama mimi na wewe.'
The exchange between Murkomen and Gachoka's fans has sparked a heated debate on Twitter, with many calling out Murkomen for his insensitive comments.
It is worth noting that Murkomen's tweet was likely a joke or a form of satire, but it has still caused offense and sparked a wider conversation about the affordability of housing in Kenya.
