Legislators from the Lower Eastern region have released a COVID-19 song aimed at giving hope to their constituents during the pandemic.
Kitui Senator Kiio Wambua, who is the mastermind behind the song said that when the first case of Covid-19 was reported in the country and containment measure were put in place, there was desperation and despair among Kenyans and they thought of a way f encouraging people and giving them hope.
Speaking at the Nairobi film center during the official launch of the song Thursday, Wambua said initially they mobilized 10 legislators from Kitui County including eight MPs, one Senator and a Women representative and did a short video clip urging their people not to be discouraged.
“There is only one MP in every constituency and only one Senator in every county, but in the same counties there are tens of thousands of able people with more resources who can give to such an initiative. The song is supposed to challenge all of us to give to those who are in need especially during this time of Covid-19 pandemic,” said Wambua.
Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Maureen Mbaka said the ministry is keen on seeing art being used as a medium of sending important messages during these pandemic times.
Mbaka said there has been laxity among Kenyans in regard to the Covid-19 containment measures, thus the need to constantly remind people to adhere to the Ministry of Health protocols through such a song.
“I would like to congratulate the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for having the vision of creating the Nairobi film center which is helping promote local production. As the government through the ministry of ICT we continue to invest in such programs that support and encourage local artists,” said the CAS.
Senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka called on other leaders from across the country to emulate the bold initiative saying that it has brought people together amid the Covid-19 crisis.
“We now need to focus on the rural areas, the counties are going to be the new centres for this COVID-19 menace. I was in Bungoma County the other day and people are just operating as if things are normal, they are saying that the virus is only found in Nairobi and we are the ones who will take it to them,” said Lusaka.
The senate speaker insisted that the COVID-19 messages need to be taken to the grassroots in a language that the people understand best so that they can take it seriously.
On the issue of the increasing political temperature in the country, Lusaka said, “As leaders let us watch what we say, a small thing can make this country go to the dogs and as leaders we should be very careful before we open our mouths and think of the impact of our words.”
KFCB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ezekiel Mutua said, “When Corona came everybody was terrified and the Kitui Senator came to me noting that we cannot watch as our people become so hopeless as a result of fear.
He reminded me of the 1994 famine in Ethiopia where musicians from USA came together and did a song to fund raise and feed Ethiopians.”
Addressing the hate speech mongers in the country Mutua said, “The cameras in this country should turn away from hate mongers and focus on initiatives like this one. Not every politician is a rumor monger, not every politician is hurling insults, the media should focus on those who preach peace and promote noble initiatives like we are doing today.”
Mutua said that the government through the ministry of ICT has helped in renovating the Nairobi film center and the intention is to make it a center of excellence for creation of clean content that talks about our values, our culture and aspirations of the Kenyan people.
Other MP’s present and who participated in the song are Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), Makali Mulu (Mwingi Central), Eng. Paul Nzengu (Mwingi North), Edith Nyenze (Kitui West), Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South), Makali Mulu (Kitui Central), Bonny Mwalika (Kitui rural), Robert Mbui (Kathiani), Patrick Makau (Mavoko) and the Kitui Women Representative Irene Kasalu among others.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
