At 28 years old, Kebaso has gained popularity for his bold stance against the government, often exposing the failures of various projects across the country.
However, the challenges of being in the public eye, especially the negative feedback he has received, have made him rethink his involvement in activism.
Kebaso revealed that he is no longer comfortable with the way some Kenyans have responded to his efforts. His recent appeal for financial contributions from his supporters has led to harsh criticism, with some even accusing him of being a conman or a beggar.
For Kebaso, these labels are unacceptable, especially as they threaten not only his reputation but also his business, which he has been running for years.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on the morning of Saturday, September 21, 2024, Kebaso openly expressed his frustration.
He explained that he cannot allow the accusations to continue affecting his reputation. To show his sincerity, Kebaso even offered to refund anyone who has ever contributed to his cause and felt misled.
His message read:
"Good morning. I am grateful for all the support Kenyans have given me. But a time comes when a man must decide whether the nation is worth fighting for. My observation is that most Kenyans have already decided the country they want to live in. I cannot continue to dirtify my reputation and earn the tag of a conman or a beggar. It's not worth it. I have a company to run and a family that loves me."
In a follow-up statement, Kebaso made it clear that he is serious about the refund. He asked those who contributed to his work to provide proof through M-Pesa messages so that he could return the money, with an extra top-up to cover withdrawal fees. He added that this gesture is aimed at ending things peacefully so that he can take a break from public life and activism.
"For this reason I would like to refund any Kenyan that has supported me and felt conned. Please comment below with the Mpesa message. I will check if it's real, refund you in full with a top up for withdrawal then I copy paste my refund message below your comment. Nataka tumalizane kwa uzuri niende nipumzike," he stated.
This decision comes just a few hours after Kebaso had asked for contributions to help fuel his car for his travels. He has been using the vehicle to tour different parts of the country, conducting civic education and exposing government shortcomings. However, the backlash he received following this request seems to have pushed him to reconsider his role as an activist.
For many of his supporters, Kebaso's announcement is a blow to the ongoing anti-government movements, where he has played a key role.
Yet, his decision to step away highlights the difficulties that come with being an outspoken figure in the public domain. The constant criticism and negative attention have clearly taken a toll on him.
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