This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
On June 22, 2020, celebrated Kikuyu musician Muigai wa Njoroge, also known as Kigutha, found himself at the center of a controversy after being summoned by the police over his hit song “Ino Migunda”.
The song, which translates to “These Pieces of Land”, has been trending at Number one on YouTube and speaks on land issues, politics of the dynasties, and more.
According to sources, Muigai was asked to present himself at Runda Police Station, where he was summoned over the song.
As a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta, Muigai has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the president's leadership, warning him that he is failing and will end up a disgrace if he does not change his ways.
“Uhuru son of Ngina, the country is boiling. Think twice and try to tame this your ‘brother’ who is a big disgrace. If not, Kikuyus and the entire country will hate you and when you will pass on they will not bury you with respect,” Kigutha warned Uhuru.
The song also throws jibes at the dynasties who inherited their wealth from their fathers but continue to oppress the poor, with Muigai singing, “This land will be subdivided equally since it cannot be sliced into pieces for human consumption. There will come a time when the common man will not tolerate your oppression anymore.”
He also questions the government on certain decisions like the demolitions in Kariobangi and Ruai, which left thousands of people homeless.
“Despite Coronavirus and heavy rainfall, you demolished the houses of the poor. Was it that urgent? Couldn’t the project wait? Some deeds are beyond the devil’s imagination,” the song continues.
