President William Ruto danced to the song Kasongo at the Kisii State Lodge as he led Kenyans in ushering in the New Year.
It was cheers and laughter as Ruto danced to the song that has lately gained traction on social media with a section of online users using it to refer to his adminstration.
Joining the President in the dance were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, South Migirano MP Silvanus Osoro and leaders from Nyanza region.
Past presidents, Uhuru Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and the founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s New Year’s addresses would be done from Mombasa.
"Kasongo," originally performed by Super Mazembe, is experiencing a resurgence in Kenya, now linked to social and political commentary.
Originally written by the iconic Alley Katele, who also took on lead vocals, the track features a woman pleading for her estranged husband to return home.
This classic has recently been reinterpreted by social media creatives in Kenya, who have infused the song with satirical lyrics targeted at Kenya's political leadership.
A collage of President Ruto dancing to Kasongo song. SCREENGRABSuper Orchestra Mazembe was a popular band playing Soukous music. The band originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC ) and Zaire.
They later moved to Nairobi in 1974 changing their name from Super Vox. Their name translates to ‘giant earth movers. ‘ Some of the group’s hit songs include Shauri Yako, Bwana Nipe Pesa and Samba.
Kasongo was composed when band members went to visit their friend Kasongo in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
On reaching his house, they met Kasongo’s wife and they asked her if he was at home.
Kasongo’s wife welcomed them and told them that she had not seen Kasongo for days.
Back then, there was no internet and it was rare to find someone who owned a phone.
They decided to send him a message through music, hoping it would reach him.
The Super Mazembe members started creating a song for Kasongo in his living room, telling him to come home because his wife is worried and she’s looking for him but can’t find him.
They went on to record the song and, as they say, the rest is history.
