'Alele Mtoto!' State House decorum under fire as viral video shows youth openly chewing miraa

Traditionally viewed as a highly revered center of power - a fortress defined by strict protocol, military-grade security, and formal decorum - the seat of the presidency has increasingly become the center of intense public debate. 

The unprecedented sight of visitors relaxing on plastic chairs, taking videos, and openly indulging in stimulants right outside the main executive building has led many to question whether the prestige of the 'House on the Hill' is fast eroding.

While miraa is legally classified as a scheduled cash crop in Kenya, public consumption inside the nation’s highest executive office has left many shocked, with critics citing a serious breach of institutional respect.

In the short clip, two young men sit on white plastic chairs set up on the State House lawn, speaking into the camera in Sheng while casually holding water bottles and chewing miraa. 

One of the men is even seen carrying a brown bag, containing what has now popularly been known as 'Alele Mtoto', or an assortment of Miraa paraphernalia. 

"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.

Around the pair, endless stacks of packed white plastic seats can be seen stretching the entire length of the lush lawn, an indication of an event that has just ended. 

Reactions online have been split between lost prestige or accessibility, with many citizens expressing dismay, arguing that State House should normally maintain an aura of dignity and restraint. 

Critics contend that permitting open drug or stimulant use undermines the solemnity of the presidency with others questioning the vetting process for guests attending state functions, expressing concern that the residence of the Head of State is being treated a little too casually.

"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." 

Yet 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!" 

On the other side, some argue that opening State House to regular citizens reflects an inclusive, ground-level approach to governance, noting that miraa is a recognized legal crop 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!"

Despite varying opinions, the incident highlights a growing tension in Kenyan political culture between executive prestige and popular accessibility.