Leaders have led the public outcry that has followed the summoning of Millicent Jerotich Kipkorir, alias Marakwet Daughter for the lyrics in her latest song dubbed ‘Arap Ruto.’
Led by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and outspoken Kapsaret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi, the leaders asked for the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to leave the musician alone.
In a statement on February 5, NCIC summoned Marakwet Daughter, claiming that her song released two weeks ago is likely to incite feelings of ethnic contempt, hatred, and hostility.
The five-minute song transitions between Swahili, Kalenjin, and English as the singer highlights what she perceives as failures in the president’s policies.
‘Arap Ruto’ hitmaker Millicent Jerotich Kipkorir alias Marakwet Daughter in a headshot on social media on August 16, 2022.
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Marakwet Daughter
“Words which are likely to incite feelings of ethnic contempt, hatred, and hostility and affect harmonious coexistence between different ethnic communities in Kenya, contrary to Section 13(1)(a) and Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.”
In his response to NCIC, Cheruiyot accused the commission of ‘tribalism and scheming’. While he did not explain his reasoning, the defence of Marakwet Daughter comes after months of criticism of Kenyans expressing themselves online.
“You’d think this is an innocent move from a commission trying hard to do their job. Don’t be deceived,” he wrote. Intimating, “The tribalists in the commission are simply aiding a narrative. Part of the larger scheme.”
On his part, Sudi called on NCIC to drop the summons. “NCIC, leave Marakwet Daughter alone!” he wrote in a post on X.
The vocal MP added, “I’ve got a list of about 50 names that would be a much better use of your time instead of this nonsense.”
The song in question addresses President William Ruto directly, lamenting the plight of Kenyans. Part of the lyrics says, “Arap Ruto, when did we wrong you? Where? Tell us. Speak up,” before continuing, “You buried pity in Sugoi and humanity in Kapchagir.”
Released less than two weeks ago, the music video has already amassed over 164,000 views on YouTube, featuring footage of President Ruto from various public rallies across the nation.
Her song touches on issues such as the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the overhaul of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) with the new university funding model, and the shift from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairperson Dr Simon Kobia when he summoned leaders who were allegedly accused of instigating hate speech.
NCIC