“Let Kenyans Fly the Flag Freely,” Says Reuben Kigame

 

By Wasike Elvis

In a passionate call to reclaim the soul of Kenya’s national identity, Reuben Kigame, Deputy Party Leader of the Justice and Freedom Party (JFP), has ignited a powerful national conversation about the symbols that represent the country—and who gets to use them.

Kigame called for the liberalization of the Kenyan flag’s use and a shift away from what he described as outdated, state-centered symbolism—particularly the widespread display of presidential portraits in offices and public institutions.

“Why is the flag of Kenya 🇰🇪 only flown by government officers and a few select places in the country?” Kigame asked. “Isn’t it our symbol of pride and national unity? Shouldn’t we be proud to fly the flag on our cars, motorbikes, tuktuks, and on the walls of our houses and offices?”

“Let everyone who wants to fly the Kenya flag do so anywhere they want. If they ask you, tell them Kigame said so. They are free to come to me if they want a discussion.”

A National Symbol Held Hostage by Law?

Under Kenya’s current National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, strict guidelines govern the use of national symbols, including the flag. Only high-ranking government officials—such as the President, Deputy President, Chief Justice, and select Cabinet Secretaries—are legally permitted to fly the national flag on their official vehicles. Unauthorized use of the flag on private property or vehicles can be met with penalties or prosecution.

These restrictions, says Kigame, do not reflect a free and democratic society where symbols of pride should belong to every citizen.

“The flag is not a trophy for the political elite—it is the very fabric of our unity, our struggle, and our aspirations. If we truly value patriotism, let’s show it. Let Kenyans fly the flag because they love their country, not because they were given permission to.”

Kigame’s comments are resonating widely on social media, with many Kenyans echoing his sentiments under hashtags like #FlagForAll and #KigameSaidSo.

Reuben Kigame: A Voice of Moral Authority

Known for his principled stances and moral clarity, Reuben Kigame is no stranger to challenging the status quo. A respected gospel artist, activist, and politician, Kigame is legally blind and has been a powerful advocate for inclusion, justice, and democratic values throughout his public life. His 2022 presidential bid, though ultimately unsuccessful, brought attention to his vision of a more just and people-centered Kenya.

As Deputy Leader of the JFP, Kigame has consistently emphasized constitutionalism, freedom of expression, and equitable representation in public life. His latest remarks fit squarely within that broader vision—one that aims to decentralize national pride from the confines of state power and into the hands of everyday citizens.

Questioning the Portrait of Power

Alongside his call to liberalize the use of the flag, Kigame also questioned the long-standing tradition of displaying portraits of sitting presidents in government offices, public institutions, and private establishments.

“Who doesn’t know the president at any given time?” he asked. “Instead of presidential portraits, let’s hang the national flag, our coat of arms, or even the map of Africa. These are enduring symbols of our collective identity—not of one person’s political moment.”

The tradition of placing presidential portraits in public places dates back to Kenya’s post-independence era and has often been used to project political authority and national unity. But critics argue that in a modern, digital, and increasingly democratic society, the practice promotes a cult of personality over national ideals.

“This is about more than walls and portraits,” Kigame said. “It’s about whose face and values we choose to elevate in our shared spaces.”

The Bigger Picture: Reclaiming Civic Space

Kigame’s remarks come at a time when Kenyans—especially the youth—are rethinking what patriotism and civic engagement mean. From decolonizing education to addressing historical injustices and economic inequality, many are calling for a new kind of nationalism—one grounded in shared values rather than state symbolism.

Political analyst Dr. Aisha Njuguna sees Kigame’s proposal as part of a broader cultural shift.

“What Kigame is saying taps into a growing desire among Kenyans to reclaim their space in the national story,” she said. “We’re witnessing a generational push to redefine what it means to be Kenyan beyond ethnicity, political affiliations, and outdated formalities.”

“The flag is a perfect example. In most countries, flying the flag is seen as a gesture of pride and belonging. But in Kenya, it’s still treated like a privilege granted by the state. That needs to change.”

Calls for Legal Reform

Kigame has urged lawmakers to revisit the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act and make it more inclusive. He also proposes introducing legislation that shifts the symbolic center of national offices from presidential portraits to broader cultural and historical symbols—such as iconic moments in Kenya’s liberation struggle, its rich diversity, or even regional emblems representing the nation’s many communities.

“Let’s update our symbols to reflect the Kenya we are building—not just the government that happens to be in office,” he said.

Supporters of the movement are now circulating petitions and calling on Parliament to introduce a Private Member’s Bill that would allow any Kenyan to fly the national flag without restriction, as long as it’s done respectfully.

April 25, 2025