Morara Kebaso, a 28-year-old lawyer and businessman, has taken the internet by storm with his near-perfect imitations of President William Ruto. Kebaso, who was virtually unknown just a few weeks ago, has quickly become an online sensation, amassing over 50,000 TikTok followers in just a few days.
The young businessman, who runs Morara Home Furniture and employs over 85 people, came up with the idea to impersonate President Ruto. He has not only mastered Ruto's speech and mannerisms but also incorporated a couple of Ruto's signature elements, including Kaunda suits and sunroofed Prados.
“I have always had this suit with me. It had been sitting in my closet. So, when I came up with the idea to impersonate the President, I simply went back to the closet and wore the suit,” Kebaso says.
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“However, it was long-sleeved. So, I had to take it to the tailor to shorten the sleeves just like the President.”
In addition to speaking atop a car, a favorite habit of the President, Kebaso also 'addresses the nation' from behind a podium, complete with the coat of arms.
One of his most popular TikTok videos, where he mimics President Ruto giving a speech to the nation, has garnered over 1 million views and tens of thousands of likes.
“I did not expect this kind of reaction,” he says. “It just happened. I was not even on Tiktok, I just joined in July and quickly got thousands of followers. Clearly, Kenyans can resonate with my content.”
While he still insists that he is not a content creator, Kebaso says that his duty it to inform the masses in a language they can understand.
“Ruto loves speaking to Kenyans from the top of cars. That’s why I adopted the same style to communicate my message,” he says.
“I am trying to reach the common mwananchi by not just entertaining them but also educating them creatively. It’s my way of passing around civic education.”
When asked if he fears becoming a target of the DCI, who have recently been involved in abductions and kidnappings of government critics, Kebaso says he’s not afraid. He asserts that he understands the law well and believes he is not violating any regulations.
“I am not afraid. Fear is the biggest enemy. I always encourage people to live fearlessly and approach life that way. So, I’m not worried of being a police target,” he says.
“If they want to come for me, they are welcome. I’ll have my day in court, I’ll defend myself. My wife is also prepared to bail me out of the worst happens. I am not ruled by fear.”
The married father of two also took the opportunity to inspire Kenyan youth, sharing that he has tried his hand at various businesses before finding success in the furniture industry.
“I started hustling at 16. I’ve tried many businesses. I’ve had a hotel in Kawangware, I have owned a liquor shop, I’ve done online writing, I’ve done translation and transcription, I’ve been an MC, I’ve been a waiter, I’ve done countless things before venturing into furniture,” he reveals.
Despite his enthusiastic activism, Kebaso says he has no plans to run for office, expressing concern that such a move might lead to corruption.
“I don’t think I can run for office and still be honest,” he says. “Politics is very dirty. For me to successfully vie, I have to compromise my values because of the corrupt nature of ascending to office which involves bribery, blind allegiance to a political party and such stuff…”
Although risky, Kebaso says his family fully supports his work. He reveals that his wife stands firmly behind him, despite concerns about potential arrest.
“My wife is very supportive, she knows the man she married and she supports my dream. Sometimes she gets worried but she’s ready for anything. She says she has a savings ready for my cash bail,” he says.
