A photo of a woman kneeling with her hands clasped in a pleading gesture has sparked outrage on social media. Netizens have expressed heartbreak over the lengths poor parents go to in order to get the attention of politicians.
Although many Kenyans assumed the picture was taken in Kenya, it is actually from Tanzania. The woman seated and addressing the kneeling woman is Jenista Mhagama, a Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Coordination, and Parliamentary Affairs. She was speaking to a citizen named Agnes Haule from Liganga, Songea.
Here are some comments from netizens about the picture:
- @Bookten8: “A mother kneeling before a politician trying to secure a bursary for her son. Does your anger increase or decrease?”
- @CFCfestothee: “This post won’t get 1,000 reposts because they don’t want people to know how the rich politicians want to be worshipped in AFRICA.”
- @MariaSTsehai: “Africa in a nutshell. The people who have the real power do not realize their power and now have become beggars to the few politicians who think they own the country and its people like slaves. This is Jenista Mhagama, CCM MP and Minister, at a village meeting! #ChangeAfrica”
- @xofficial_bob: “The saddest picture I have seen today.”
- @KenyanSays: “This is what politicians have turned our parents into!!! Beggars in our own country? We don’t have a country here…!!!”
- @ffsoc1ety: “To the young warriors of Kenya, let your tireless efforts and unwavering determination free your mothers from ever having to beg before corrupt and arrogant politicians. WE THE PEOPLE.”
- @towett_: “Young men and Gen Z women, strive diligently so that your mothers won’t have to plead with corrupt and arrogant politicians like this. This photo is the most heartbreaking thing I’ve seen today.”