How Kenyans reacted to Wednesday public holiday
There was protest and excitement in equal measure after the government declared Wednesday a public holiday to allow Kenyans to travel and vote on Thursday.
The declaration gave Kenyans a two-day holiday and online, those in self-employment were furious while others, mostly employed, celebrated.
Some users lamented how the declaration of two days was not good for the economy while others cited ongoing court cases seeking to bar the polls.
However, Chief Justice David Maraga has allowed court officers involved in the election day related litigation to work on Wednesday.
When we held General Elections on August 8, August 7 wasn’t declared Public Holiday? Why declare October 25 a Public Holiday? What mischief?
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) October 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/KuriaMapesa/status/922704633222582273
the only people excited that tomorrow is holiday are people who are employed. everyone else is furious.
— Phantéau (@_wangwe) October 24, 2017
So the public holiday tomorrow is meant to let people “prepare”for voting OR render the ongoing court petitions “useless” for now?
— Dennis Onsarigo (@Donsarigo) October 24, 2017
When the government declares a public holiday while you're on leave. pic.twitter.com/tmPvvJCKTx
— Mike ?? (@micke9) October 24, 2017
I just showed my boss “the Gazette notice” … & he told me we’re working kesho nikitaka holiday I apply at the Government Printing Press.
— ➟ ابو علي ➟ (@ri_yaz) October 24, 2017
Aki if there is one thing I miss from formal employment is the sense of joy that comes from a weekday being declared a holiday.
— Magunga (@theMagunga) October 24, 2017
"Public Holiday" for what???? thought we were complaining about our economy??? #NASAdemos
— Shiundu Shiundu ?? (@IvanEvans_Kenya) October 24, 2017
My Neighbor took a sick leave from work today. He's already bought drinks to last him a whole week and blasting music. Since tomorrow is a Public holiday, Thursday a Voting day, Friday is staying indoors day..Saturday- Sunday Weekend, he says he is reporting to work on Monday
— Thee Trend Setter (@xtiandela) October 24, 2017
Kenyans complaining that CS Matiang'i has declared tomorrow a public holiday yet we're all jobless. Everyday is a public holiday anyway
— Sir julius (@JuliasSir) October 24, 2017
This ridiculous and the economy on its knees. Clearly desperate on the numbers game. Even August 7th was not a holiday! pic.twitter.com/UMPSKLU1rs
— Gabriel Dolan (@GabrielDolan1) October 24, 2017