Marakwet Daughter, a popular Kalenjin musician, has taken social media and airwaves by storm with her latest release, Arap Ruto.
The five-minute track, an evocative blend of Kalenjin and Swahili, delivers a scathing critique of President William Ruto’s leadership. It highlights issues that have left many Kenyans disillusioned and frustrated.
Amplified by heavy auto-tune, the emotionally charged song boldly challenges the president's policies and their impact on ordinary citizens. In one poignant verse, she pointedly asks:
“Arap Ruto tulikukosea lini na wapi na nini? Sema ketaratar ng’alechu,”
Which translates to, “Arap Ruto, when, what, and how did we wrong you? Say it so we can make amends.”
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Marakwet Daughter doesn’t hold back. She accuses Ruto of abandoning compassion and humanity, symbolized by the lyrics:
“Huruma ulizika Sugoi, utu ukazika Kap Jagir,”
This line refers to the president’s luxurious home in Kap Jagir, which she suggests represents the burial of empathy under wealth and power.
The song also targets some of the administration’s most controversial policies, including the competency-based curriculum (CBC), which she describes as a failure, and the overhaul of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
“HELB ulivuruga Ruto na sio mali ya baba yako, rudisha vile ilikuwa usiwe adui wa maendeleo,”
This translates to, “Ruto, you ruined HELB, which doesn’t belong to your father. Restore it as it was and stop being an enemy of development.”
The song’s passionate delivery and unapologetic critique have resonated deeply with Kenyans who share growing concerns about the nation’s trajectory. Since its debut on YouTube, Arap Ruto has ignited widespread online debates about governance and accountability.
Dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s leadership has been on the rise, fueled by complaints about centralized power, insufficient public consultation, and hasty decision-making.
Notable controversies include the abrupt reversal of agreements with India’s Adani Group and proposals for higher taxes amidst economic hardship.
Protests against these policies, particularly among the youth, have been met with accusations of excessive government force. Even the Catholic.
Religious leaders have joined the conversation, criticizing the administration for fostering what they describe as a culture of corruption and dishonesty.
Marakwet Daughter’s courageous artistry continues to amplify the voices of the people, with her latest song being no exception.
Though her daring critique may not resonate with everyone, it has reignited vital discussions about leadership and accountability in Kenya.
