Grassroots Power vs. Expensive PR — What Meru’s Two Events Revealed

 

Two Events, One County — Where Should Meru’s Resources Really Go?

Earlier today, the Meru Deputy Governor launched her campaign against FGM, rape, and GBV. The photos on her social media page looked impressive — bright tents, crisp banners, neatly arranged seating. Everything about the event appeared polished and well-funded.

But on the ground in Makutano, the story was very different: barely 10 to 15 people showed up.

Now contrast that with what happened last week in Kianjai. A group of young people — Eng. Joram Kinoti, Hon. Kinoti wa Mwenda, and the Young Njuri — held a similar awareness campaign. Their photos were simple. No fancy lighting. No expensive décor. No staged perfection.

Yet the difference was striking:

Real attendance.

Real energy.

Real community connection.

So, which event was truly successful?

If “success” is measured by impact, turnout, and genuine participation, then Kianjai wins — by far.

If “success” is measured by how good the photos look online, then of course the county event takes the trophy.

And that right there is the problem with Meru’s development priorities.

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**In Meru, those with money and power lack ideas…

And those with ideas lack money and power.**

Why does the county keep pushing events that look good on camera but fail to attract the very people they claim to serve?

Why can’t these resources be channelled to grassroots groups — like the Young Njuri — who are already doing the work voluntarily, without allowances, without tents, without PR machinery?

Ama ni kwamba watu wa county wanataka tu kukula pesa, while the real issues affecting the Mmeru remain unchanged?

Because when community-driven initiatives pull crowds, and government-funded events attract empty chairs, the message is loud and clear:

The people already know who is genuinely working for them.

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Time for Meru to Get Serious

If the goal is real impact, then support must follow ideas, not titles.

Funding should strengthen the groups already engaging the community — not just those with big offices and even bigger budgets.

Meru deserves better.

And the youth have already shown the way.