Millicent Jerotich Kipkorir, known as Marakwet Daughter, has been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for the lyrics of her new song titled ‘Arap Ruto.’
The authority asserted on February 5 that the song lyrics were likely to provoke feelings of ethnic contempt, hatred, and hostility.
The statement read, “The Commission is investigating the wording in your hit song ‘Arap Ruto’ as per the above-mentioned mandate.”
“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.”
She received a summons to appear before the commission on February 5 in order to assist with the investigations into the issue.
Local artist Marakwet Daughter, who rose to prominence in the past year thanks to her hit track “Mali Safi Chito,” has opted for a political approach in her new song.
She directly addresses President William Ruto in the song, expressing sorrow over Kenyans’ situation and questioning him about their mistakes in choosing him as their leader.
“Ruto Arap, when did we do you wrong? At which location? Let us know. She sings, “Speak up,” in her chorus before adding, “You buried pity in Sugoi and humanity in Kapchagir.”
Throughout the song, which lasts five minutes and six seconds, the vocalist alternates between Swahili, Kalenjin, and English while detailing the shortcomings she perceives in the President’s actions.
She referred to several areas in the song, including the launch of the competency-based curriculum (CBC), substituting the Higher Educational Loans Board (HELB) with a new university funding model, and replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Launched under two weeks ago, the music video has already racked up more than 164,000 views on YouTube and includes footage of the president at public rallies nationwide.
