President William Ruto addressing residents during his Western Region tour / PCSPresident William Ruto seems to have embraced the name 'Kasongo' that has recently caused a buzz in Kenyan social media.
The President who appeared to be fine with the nickname 'Kasongo' said that he does not mind as long as there is development.
'Kasongo' is the title of a popular song originally performed by Super Mazembe, a Kenyan soukous band that originated from Zaire(now DR Congo) in 1967.
The song has recently been reinterpreted by social media creatives in Kenya, who have infused it with satirical lyrics targeted at Kenya's political leadership.
While speaking on Friday during his Western Region tour, President Ruto said that Kenyans are referring to him as 'Kasongo' because he is smarter.
"Iko mahali inaitwa Isongo, hapa juu. Ati inaitwa Isongo? Mimi nilikuwa nafikiri amesema Kasongo," Ruto said as the crowd burst into laughter.
"Si mnajua wengine nimewashinda na akili wameanza kuniweka majina, hata wakiniita Kasongo sijui Zakayo bora kazi inasonga mbele, mimi sina shida,"the President added.
(There is a place called Isongo. It is in a place somewhere here. Is it called Isongo? I thought he had said Kasongo. You know I am smarter than some people who have resorted to calling me names like Kasongo, and Zakayo. I do not have a problem with that as long as there is development.
"Kasongo," 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.
Super Orchestra Mazembe was a popular band playing Soukous music who moved from Zaire 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.
