State House video of youth chewing miraa sparks public debate

A video of young men chewing miraa on the State House lawn has caused debate among Kenyans online.

The clip shows two young men sitting on white plastic chairs, holding water bottles and speaking in Sheng. One of them is seen with a brown bag containing what is known as “Alele Mtoto”, or miraa items. “Aloo, nani amewai kulia veve State House? Leo tunashikia State House. Mambo ya mtaa tumewacha. Mambo ni vulai! Mambo ni tutam! It’s not illegal!” one of the miraa-chewing guests brags to the camera.

The video appears to have been recorded after an event, with many packed plastic chairs visible across the State House lawn. For many Kenyans, State House is a place linked to strict security, protocol and dignity. The sight of visitors recording videos and openly chewing miraa outside the main executive building led to criticism over the way the residence is being used.

Miraa is a legal scheduled cash crop in Kenya. However, critics said its public use at State House showed a lack of respect for the presidency. Some also questioned the screening of people attending events at the residence. “State House used to be a sacred, highly restricted institution. Seeing people sitting on official premises recording TikToks while chewing jaba feels like the ultimate breakdown of presidential decorum and protocol,” someone on X wrote.

X user Juma Gathoni wrote: “State House Kenya has completely lost its prestige. How do security details let visitors casually carry stimulants and host ‘jaba sessions’ inside the house on the hill? Absolute lack of respect for the office.” Another Kenyan wrote, “From hosting political goons to becoming a spot for casual hangout sessions, the current administration has turned State House into a local base. Total disgrace to our national dignity!”

Others argued that allowing ordinary Kenyans into State House reflects a more inclusive approach to leadership. They said the building is funded by taxpayers and that miraa is legal in Kenya.

One defender of the unconventional behavior stated: “State House is funded by the taxes of the everyday Mwananchi. For decades, it was treated like an ivory tower reserved for political dynasties. President Ruto allowing ordinary Kenyans to sit on those lawns and be themselves is true democracy. Nothing wrong with people enjoying local cash crops!”

The incident has highlighted the different views on executive prestige and public access to State House.