'Tano Tena' singer Ben Githae has come under fire from a section of Kenyans over his latest single, Ruhiu Rwa Uthamaki which he released on Thursday, June 25.
Githae became known to many Kenyans during the electioneering period in 2017 as his song Tano Tena became a campaign anthem for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto's re-election bid.
Ruhiu Rwa Uthamaki features three other well known Kikuyu vernacular artists; Kamande wa Kioi, Peter Kigia and Sir James.
Unlike Tano Tena which heaped praise on the 'UhuRuto' duo, Githae's latest single is an ode to President Uhuru Kenyatta and praises the recent purge in Jubilee Party targeting allies of DP Ruto.
The official music video includes several clips of leaders including Uhuru, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and embattled Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula.
It casts Uhuru as a strong leader, citing his development record and his moves to take charge of the party through the ouster of leaders including former Majority Leader Aden Duale.
The overtly political song sparked a barrage of reactions from a section of Kenyans online, some of whom accused him of pandering to the political class.
Others claimed that his support of the President was suspect and contrasted the song with Tano Tena, considering it a change of tune.
"This is total nonsense. Your stomachs are now full, why didn't we see you in Kariobangi or Ruai singing to those people just to comfort them, now here you are! Actually I question if you are truly a gospel musician," wrote one Jane Kimani.
"Are these the so called Gospel musicians? You mean there are no better things to sing any more?" posed one Esther Kago.
"Very few gospel musicians will sing a song that make sense even as you listen you will question the spirit that inspired them," wrote one Chrispus Maingi.
Several of the gospel singer's fans, however, commended the song and welcomed the message despite the furore it triggered.
Speaking to this writer in March on life after Tano Tena, Githae had revealed that he focused on gospel vernacular music but remained open to recording political tunes.
"I haven't done another political song because I haven't really felt a conviction to record one. But I could still record one. If I wanted to record a political song, nothing would stop me from doing so," he stated at the time.
Watch Ruhiu Rwa Uthamaki below:
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