Few musicians, regardless of generation, would have the guts to openly criticize a president, much less do so in front of the president, but Kikuyu musician Joseph Kamaru was not about to let that stop him.
When Madaraka Day was celebrated in Nyayo National Stadium in 1992, the late Kamaru decided to express his frustration with the strongman’s rule in front of a large audience.
The famed singer told Moi, standing on stage in front of a live television and radio audience, that he was notorious even in his own country and that he had been deceived about his level of popularity among Kenyans while he had been living in a bubble.
“Do not unwind while using a fimbo(club). I know there are folks telling you that you are popular, but the truth is that people do not like you,” Kamaru openly told the former president.
Many people would not have been able to say something so serious in front of Moi before his reaction.
As the nation prepared for its first multi-party elections following Moi’s 20-year dictatorship, Kamaru was engaging in risky trading.
Moi, who has been president since 1978, faced his first significant danger during this election.
The singer’s outburst caused the entire stadium to become silent, and many spectators feared for his safety since they thought he may be arrested.
Amazingly, the musician managed to get away unscathed.
The article continued by stating that given Kamaru’s role in founding president Jomo Kenyatta’s ministry, Moi would be wise to make friends with him.
As he produced songs that praised the previous president’s leadership style, Kamaru’s popularity increased, and their friendship deepened as a result.
Source: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/42990-kikuyu-musician-who-dressed-mzee-moi-down-live-tv
Content created and supplied by: Westkid (via Opera
News )
