Why Kenyan actors are mad at Uhuru over the national theatre
The much awaited reopening of the renovated Kenya National Theatre aborted at the last minute on Wednesday because President Uhuru Kenyatta was not available to preside over the event.
All preparation had been made for the reopening of the theatre, including setting up of tents and decorations, before the event was called off abruptly.
The theatre was renovated at a cost of Sh100 million courtesy of Kenya Breweries Limited as part of the Kenya @50 projects.
The facelift saw the theatre get new seats, a lighting and sound system, soundproofed walls and a bigger stage.
Thespians have been locked out of the facility for the last 16 months to allow for the renovation. However, the postponement of the reopening to Saturday did not seat well with them.
The Kenya Actors Guild started the hash tag #UhuruOpenKnt on Twitter to protest the delay.
Adhiambo Opondo @a_opondo posted; “before we get to win those Oscars, we make our baby steps on stage in an auditorium.”
Uncle Simon Africa @unclesimonA wondered if it had to be @UKenyatta who must do it.
Arts & Culture in KE @ Kenyapoet asked; “Actually, we as artists we don’t really care who opens it as long as its opened. Artistic expression is a right.”
Cleopas Awinja @AwinjaCleopas posted; “We just need to go back work @UKenyatta please – kindly.”
Elysha_kess@elyshakess said; “Our youths need to explore their cretivity @UKenyatta
ODIEMBO SAM JR. @odiembosam said “Better things should be done by the president like #PayTeachers and not #UhuruOpenKNT what is the work of the CS?”
Bobby Mugah @bobbykamuga “#UhuruOpenKnt Dear Mr President Kenya is a hotbed of entertainment that’s the reason we would like to have KNT opened.”
