A video clip published on TikTok by Kokos TV Kenya shows a female food vendor crying after customers deserted her establishment. The boycott followed her public political statements in support of the "tutam" government outfit associated with President Ruto.
In the recording, the woman lamented what she perceived as a lack of freedom of speech in Kenya. She pleaded openly while surrounded by unsold batches of food.
The vendor listed her untouched stock, which included samosas, bhajias, chips, and mandazis. She asked for forgiveness while questioning where she would take all the leftover food.
“Wanakataa kukula chakula zangu juu tu ya kusema tutam. Saa hizi zote nitapeleka wapi hizi zote samosa, kuna bajia, kuna chipo mandazi zote nitapeleka wapi,” she lamented in video clip.
Unapologetic Social Media Backlash
Rather than offering sympathy, the video generated an unapologetic reaction in the TikTok comment section. Online users responded with direct criticism regarding mixing commercial business with political affairs.
User suzymaguta posted a concise warning:
"Never bring politics in your business.”
A top comment by user "We live once", which accumulated 8,211 likes, suggested sending the food to government construction workers:
"Pelekea mafundi wa affordable housing."
Similarly, user BOSS proposed an alternative outlet for the unsold food:
"Peleka Obinna show."
Customers Resolve to Avoid Establishment
Many social media users expressed a firm decision to avoid the food vendor's business entirely. User Karuiru Maina asked for the venue's location specifically to avoid it,
"Pole sana mamaa uko wapi ndio hata mimi niavoid hiyo place."
Another comment by user Swings mauno 254 suggested taking the food to a specific location,
"Peleka state house road."
Broader Economic and Political Responses
Other commenters used the platform to highlight broader political sentiments and economic boycott practices. User Savannah K.K. questioned the absence of government supporters:
"Si naskia nyinyi ni silent majority. Kwani hawakuji kudishi in silence?"
User bakhita Nuchal commended the boycotting customers, “Wenye walikataa, you have a special place in my heart.”
Finally, user Brayo RN noted that the incident served as a model for consumer action moving forward, “Inakaa ni content unatengeneza but umetupea idea how we should actually be doing things henceforth.”
