This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Kenya: Ben Githae Stands by 'Tano Tena' Song Amid Criticism ¶
Published on November 15, 2019
Kenyan gospel artiste Ben Githae has defended his 2017 song 'Tano Tena', which urged Kenyans to give President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto another term.
The song, which was part of Githae's album 'Roho wa Ngai urotoma roho wa wuiru', became a hit during the 2017 election campaigns and is currently trending on social media.
However, some Kenyans have called on Githae to produce another song that apologizes for 'misleading' them. They claim that the song influenced their voting patterns, but Githae says his influence could not have driven such a huge mass towards making a decision.
'I saw an opportunity and seized it. I have no apologies to make,' said Githae.
He added that the song's success was due to its timing and that he made a tidy sum from the opportunities it brought forth.
Despite the criticism, Githae says he is not sure if he will release another political song in 2022, as the decision will be guided by the dynamics of the time.
He also called on the president to work to improve the lives of Kenyans and to eject those who are failing him from his administration.
