Gospel artist, Ben Githae, has revealed intricate details of his conversation with President Uhuru Kenyatta that led to his support for ODM party leader Raila Odinga over Deputy President William Ruto.
In a TV interview on Saturday, March 19, Githae noted that he chose to follow the Azimio la Umoja movement, after the Head of State informed him of his frosty relationship with his Deputy and his newfound political dalliance with Raila.
The gospel singer added that the political trajectory is subject to change, going by the seasons, and that Kenyans should not be surprised by his support for the former Prime Minister.
Dynamics change, at the time I was supporting Uhuru, and I began supporting him in 2007 until now. We had a conversation with him over the same issue and he informed me that we change direction (in favour of Raila) due to a number of issues. Uhuru has never misled me, he confirmed that Raila is the right direction to take. I have followed him on that path," Ben Githae stated.
While discussing how music blends with politics as the country gears up for the general election in August, Githae pointed out that his Tano Tena hit in 2017 became a movement in itself and created a cult-like following that supported the UhuRuto bid.
He noted that the Baba Tosha song was already sweeping the youth in rallies and looking forward to recreate the same force in the Azimio la Umoja,
"Tano Tena was quite impactful during the 2017 campaign and election period, it is still impactful today," The singer affirmed.
Githae, who has come under sharp criticism from a section of Kenyans, had initially vowed to compose a campaign song for Raila if President Kenyatta would publicly endorse the Former Premier, which he already did.
“I saw people trolling me the other day after I was photographed with Raila Odinga. Some claimed that I have moved to support him but, what they didn’t know was the context of our meeting,” the singer expressed.
“I am a staunch supporter of Uhuru, if he says I support Raila, I will support him,” he added.
The singer has in the past openly shared about his relationship with Uhuru, noting that they enjoy a close bond with the Head of State.
"When I lost my mother and he called me and also directed me to the person to go and see for his support. That is how tight I am with him,” the gospel singer stated.
