On Monday, controversial Kikuyu musician Ben Githae trended after releasing his new political song titled 'Kenya Is Safe'.
In the song, Githae congratulated Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga after he announced his running mate as Martha Karua.
He praised Azimio's leader calling on Kenyans to vote for him saying the country is safe in his hands. Kenyans on Twitter mocked the singer for being 'an opportunist'.
Speaking to Mpasho.co.ke, Githae said it is his democratic right to support anyone he wants to.
He urged his fellow gospel musicians to use their popularity if they have grace.
"Be bold enough to influence politics if you have the calling but if you don't have, keep away, it needs special grace," Githae said.
In 2017, Githae did the Tano Tena song to support the Jubilee government. At some point, some Kenyans got angry with him with claims that he swayed them into voting for the Jubilee government. He told them to work hard.
"If you do not work for yourself and you only blame Ben Githae, you will only die a poor person because I sang the song and was paid.
I also urge you to do your job and be paid for it."
There are other artists who have extended their creativity to create political songs.
Mostly, artists compose songs after a public outcry on issues such as the cost of living, corruption, unemployment, and high taxes among others.
In 2019, King Kaka released 'Wajinga Nyinyi' where he addressed problems facing the country such as corruption, bad economy, poor health services and poor living conditions.
He takes a swipe at greedy pastors and politicians. As the song trended, some politicians chose not to comment while some did not take the song too lightly and even threatened to sue Kaka.
Some people also argued propaganda on King Kaka’s side. A year before, Sauti Sol had released 'Tuliangalie' featuring rapper Nyashinski.
The song highlighted the lack of integrity and accountability which many turned a blind eye to in Kenya. The song called on for self-reflection.
"Our first realization was to speak power to the reality that we are living in, hence the title 'Tujiangalie.’ Self-reflection.
The truth is “when you make your bed, you lie in it!" the band said.
Utawala by Juliani released in 2013 created awareness of tribalism, selfishness and corruption. Juliani's message was that music can be used to fight inequality.
Eric Wainaina's song Nchi Ya Kitu Kidogo released in 2001 highlighted bribes used by most essential service providers for Kenyans.
At one point, the government banned 'Nchi Ya Kitu Kidogo' from being aired on the national broadcaster.
And Wainaina’s mic was switched off when he was scheduled to perform at a Kenya Music Festival event.
Other political anthems include; Lero Lero by Emmanuel Musindi, Stand Up Inuka by Petra Kenya, Kenyan Message by Muthoni The Drummer Queen, and Unbwogable by Gidi and Majimaji among others.
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