Gospel singer Justina Syokau is back in the spotlight, and as expected, she has Kenyans talking.
The self-styled Queen of Controversy has just released her latest track, “Ruto 2 Term,” a benga-inspired praise song in which she showers President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with glowing accolades.
In the upbeat track, Syokau runs through what she describes as the Kenya Kwanza government’s achievements and urges supporters to back Ruto for a second term.
True to her style, the video is flamboyant, high-energy, and bold enough to stir an online storm.
Some Kenyans celebrated her fearlessness, while others felt she had crossed a line, again.
This is not Syokau’s first rodeo with viral uproar. In 2020, her New Year hit “2020” took off after she prophesied greatness for the year; only for COVID-19 to shut down the world weeks later.
Since then, Syokau has perfected the art of releasing music that triggers instant debate.
Minutes after the video dropped, social media erupted. From diehard fans to unforgiving critics, Syokau’s comment section was flooded with reactions; some hilarious, some harsh, all very Kenyan.
Here are some of the reactions:
“Mungu nisaidie nataka kuwa mwimbaji lakini nisiwai fika mahali nianze kusifu watu badala yako … heri nianze na mwili nimalize na roho.”
“Huyu mama huchoka saa ngapi? Kila mwaka lazima atie moto.”
“Sasa ni gospel ama campaign soundtrack? Tunachanganyikiwa.”
“Justina is the only artiste who can drop a song and unite Kenyans in confusion.”
“I don’t like the song, but I can’t stop watching the video. She’s unserious in a serious way.”
“Hatujui kama tumcheke, tumsupport ama tu-report.”
“She really understood the assignment… clout secured!”