This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
Waiguru's Defamation Threat Against King Kaka Sparks Backlash ¶
December 17, 2019, marked a day of intense social media activity as Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru threatened to sue rapper King Kaka over his viral song Wajinga Nyinyi.
Waiguru, through her lawyer Paul Kiragu, demanded that King Kaka delete the song from YouTube within 48 hours or face a defamation lawsuit. The governor also asked the rapper to issue a written apology over the controversial song.
Waiguru claimed that the song's release had caused 'grave, irreparable and permanent damage' to her reputation and accused King Kaka of tarnishing her name to increase his popularity and profits.
However, Kenyans took to social media to express their support for King Kaka, with many asking Waiguru to go ahead and sue. The hashtag #IstandWithKingKaka trended for over 15 hours, with many Kenyans defending the rapper's right to free speech.
Activist Boniface Mwangi called on Kenyans to stand with King Kaka and show Waiguru that the rapper is not alone. Lawyer Ahmednassir Abdulahi also vowed to represent King Kaka if the case goes to court.
Waiguru's nemesis in the 2017 elections, Martha Karua, also promised to help King Kaka, saying she was available to assist should it be necessary.
As the debate rages on, many Kenyans are questioning Waiguru's chances of winning a defamation case against King Kaka. Blogger Bravin Yuri said that Waiguru cannot win the case because King Kaka's song is a piece of art subject to interpretation.
