Comedian and media personality MCA Tricky has challenged fellow media personality Alex Mwakideu after the veteran radio presenter called on celebrities to openly acknowledge development projects being undertaken by the government.
Mwakideu recently sparked conversation after highlighting the construction of a road in Taita Taveta, saying public figures should not be afraid to speak about developments they witness across the country.
The radio presenter maintained that he was simply stating what he considered to be a fact.
“If you are a celebrity, speak up. Don't fear,” Mwakideu said.
Mwakideu went on to express his happiness over the road project, saying he was pleased to see the government undertaking development in Taita Taveta.
“I’m a happy man because this government is building a road in Taita Taveta. That is a fact,” he stated.
Mwakideu denies being paid
The media personality also appeared keen to distance his comments from political allegiance or financial influence.
According to Mwakideu, he had not been paid to speak positively about the project.
“I have not been paid to state this,” he said.
He further stated that he would not identify himself with either side of Kenya's political divide, insisting that he would continue speaking about what he considers factual.
“I will never be ‘Tutam’ or ‘Wantam’, I will state facts,” Mwakideu added.
Tricky fires back
MCA Tricky, however, took a different view of the matter.
The comedian questioned why construction of roads should be treated as an achievement that celebrities need to publicly promote, arguing that such projects form part of a government's responsibilities.
“This is not the first government to build roads, and if we are to rank it, it will be the last,” Tricky said.
He also questioned whether taxpayers should perceive government-funded projects as favours.
“Again, we should never worship tax-driven developments in a country,” he added.
Tricky then posed a pointed question over whether citizens should be expected to praise the government for projects financed through public resources.
“Is it a favour they are doing for the country?” he asked.
‘Results will speak’
Tricky further argued that a government delivering services effectively should not require celebrities to market its achievements on social media.
“When the system is running, the results won't need Instagram or TikTok to talk about,” he said.
The exchange has now sparked a wider conversation about the role of celebrities and media personalities in discussing government projects.
While Mwakideu says public figures should acknowledge developments they witness without fear of political labels, Tricky questioned whether taxpayers should celebrate routine government responsibilities.
The disagreement comes as Kenyan entertainers and media personalities increasingly use their platforms to comment on politics, public spending and government performance.
For now, the two personalities appear to have different views on one question: Should celebrities publicly praise government projects, or should citizens simply judge the results of those projects for themselves?
