Kenyans Online React to British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott's 'Cheeky' Tweet

A tweet by British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott on Wednesday elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans on social media.

Ms. Marriott, who said she was in the UK, posted an image showing her enjoying pizza, while on the side of the table was a glass of water and a report titled “State Capture – Inside Kenya's Inability to Fight-Corruption.”

But it is the picture’s caption that caught the attention of Kenyans online, with many wondering whether she was taking a dig at Kenya.

“Briefly back in the UK. Appreciating and enjoying a (gluten free – am coeliac) pizza, the privilege of tap water…and some Kenya reading, as the big issues continue to challenge us all,” read the caption.

Most online users concluded that the High Commissioner was indirectly stating that there is no tap water in Kenya.
Here are the reactions:

@Alicemakochieng tweeted: “Balozi is correct @RobertAlai. The normalcy of having tap water is underestimated, I lived in Lavington and our taps were often dry. And when water came, you couldn't trust its purity, damaged my LG diahwater's filter, plus if U ran a full cycle of washing clothes, you'd be lucky.”

@titanicabyssal stated: “Cleverly conveyed. No tap water in Kenya your mission destination.”

@paul_makanji said: “The 'Tap Water Privilege' & 'Kenyan Reading.....';  Sounds Very Interesting!!!”

@ArnoldMaliba noted: “This tweet is on the edge of causing a tweef, a major one even. Balozi, you might be schooled in matters terrorism - but you'll not beat #KOT in the fight that is coming. No one disses +254 and gets away with it. Good luck.”

@ekabugua wrote: “In short there is no tap water in Kenya that is fit for human consumption?”

@Komboray posed: “Privilege of tap water? Meaning?”