This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
Ben Githae: I Won't Ask Kenyans for Forgiveness for 'Tano Tena' Song ¶
Ben Githae, a Kenyan gospel musician, has said he will not ask Kenyans for forgiveness for his 2017 election campaign song 'Tano Tena', which many claim influenced their vote for President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
Published on November 17, 2019, the song was a hit among Jubilee Party supporters, who used it to campaign for the party's candidates in the 2017 general election.
However, many Kenyans have since expressed regret over their decision to vote for the Jubilee Party, citing the song's influence as a major factor.
Ben Githae has defended his song, saying that he did not have the financial resources to support President Kenyatta's campaign, but he had the talent to create a catchy tune.
'I saw an opportunity and I took it. So, I don't have any apologies for that,' Githae said in an interview with Nation.
He also denied allegations that he had collaborated with the Jubilee Party to write the song, saying that he had simply used his talent to create a popular tune.
'I told them I didn't have the money to support the President's campaign, but I had the talent to create a song. Why wouldn't I use it?' Githae asked.
The song's lyrics called on President Kenyatta to work hard to improve the lives of Kenyans and to punish those who were opposed to him.
Many Kenyans have since expressed regret over their decision to vote for the Jubilee Party, citing the song's influence as a major factor.
