Tone-deaf! Kenyans on X blast new LSK boss Kanjama after dismissing calls to help arrested TikToker

According to the LSK President-elect, his hands were currently tied, and he did not have the ability, power or authority to act on injustices, as he was yet to be sworn in, instead directing Kenyans to report cases to other agencies, and not to him, at least for now.

Tagging Kanjama, activist Mwabili Mwagoli wrote: "Boss @ckanjama congratulations on your win as LSK Chairperson but kindly note that Menelik was abducted by DCI and his whereabouts are unknown. He was last seen alive at Muthaiga Police Station. Changamka." 

The LSK President-elect promptly replied, shockingly shrugging off the matter by claiming that all he could currently do was advise, and not take action.

"As LSK President-Elect, what I can do is advise. Nikishika mamlaka, nitaweza pia kutekeleza. So: 1. Report to @DCI_Kenya @NPSOfficial_KE @PoliceKE #2. Notify media @citizentvkenya @NationAfrica @StandardKenya #3. Engage human rights organisations @AmnestyKenya @thekhrc @HakiKNCHR and also LSK leadership @LawSocietyofKe," he replied.

His reply immediately attracted widespread backlash, with Kenyans on X blasting him for his apparent display of indifference and what others termed a rude and haughty response.

Lawyer and X personality Abu Iman wrote, "Wrong move. Wrong call. Wrong tweet. Wrong time. Wrong tone. But hey, what do I know?"

Eric Mugendi wrote, "If you're abducted, Charles Kanjama says your should report your abduction to your abductor. We have truly fallen. Your predecessor confronted the government head-on, she didn’t hide behind advice, she acted boldly."

X account Mwango Capital also reacted, writing, "If someone was allegedly abducted by the DCI, do you again advise them to report the matter to the same DCI?"

Chris Sambu simply wrote, "KANJAMA, Leadership is not about redirecting complaints. It’s about taking ownership of the process.Anything less feels weak & detached from the urgency of the moment.Take more responsibility like “I am immediately engaging the outgoing LSK leadership on this matter"".

On her part, lawyer Wangui Waititu wrote, "Senior Counsel, You cannot run an issue-based campaign for the Presidency, win and then this is the aftermath. As President-Elect, your role goes beyond offering advice. You are expected to lead, act, and set the tone."

Many sharply castigated Kanjama for merely redirecting Kenyans to find help elsewhere, in sharp contrast to the current President, Faith Odhiambo's proactive response to emerging citizens' issues.

Nelly Githambo wrote: "This reply is akin to when the High Commission in Uganda told Kenyans to file missing persons reports of Bob and Nicholas Oyoo to the Uganda Police, who had been involved in abducting them in the first place. If this is the incoming president of the Law Society, tuko mahali pa hatari."

It got worse for Kanjama when activist Mwambili went searching for Menelik and found him in his home, and informed the world.

Many wondered why Mr Kanjama tried to make a mountain out of a molehill and trolled him on X while congratulating Mwabili for going out of his way to seek out the young Kenyan.

Aware of the controversy he had just set in motion, Kanjama took to X to, again, attempt to articulate himself, this time taking time to choose his words wisely, and land softer punches than he did earlier.

"Greetings KoX. Indeed @LawSocietyofKe should discharge all its section 4 LSK Act functions, and this includes championing the rule of law. The entire LSK structure is organised to work together in harmony, under the leadership of the LSK President," he wrote. 

"Our leadership arrangements provide that I take over that office and lead LSK's role in championing the rule of law from the day I am sworn in, on March 27th. Before then, there is another team in office which deserves our support as well as space to work."

While many still picked issue with the fresh response, some extended him some grace, only pointing out that he needed lessons on the art of communication.

"Understood. I think the issue was your initial response as a leader. Leadership really calls for care in how we communicate, when to communicate what and who we communicate to. You need to inspire Kenyans and show them that you'll take over from Faith Odhiambo. Not merely dismissing needy cases as you sit in your plush offices," Michael Nderu wrote.