Gidi Ogidi, the host of Radio Jambo, has received criticism after losing 10,000 YouTube subscribers as a result of his performance during the celebration of Jamhuri Day.
Gidi performed his well-known song “maji maji” on stage with other artists at the celebration of Kenya’s independence.
Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki, First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto, and President William Samoei Ruto were observed dancing to the performance.
The renowned musicians Madtraxx, Jua Cali, Mejja, and the Grandpa family were also on the lineup.
Online reactions to Gidi’s performance were mixed, despite the star-studded appearance.
Kenyans started criticizing him and other artists on social media as soon as they left the stage for accepting invitations to perform from the government.
Gidi was blamed by many for supporting the Ruto administration, which has come under fire for allegedly committing corruption, raising living expenses, and breaking promises.
Gidi’s YouTube subscribers dropped precipitously as a result of the outcry, going from 72,000 to 61,000 in a matter of hours.
A number of users also threatened to boycott his popular show ‘Patanisho’, which he co-hosted with Gost Mulee on Radio Jambo.
Adding more fuel to the fire Gidi replied to Francis Gaitho, one of his detractors, who had posted on social media that the musicians were using their music to support “despots.”
Gidi made a contentious statement alluding to historical crimes committed against the Kikuyu people.
“When Michuki killed young Kikuyus in the name of Mungiki, Francis Gaitho was not there to protect fellow Kenyans from his alleged atrocities.” Gidi stated.
His response drew more criticism, with some describing it as unprofessional and decisive.
Kenyans’ responses are as follows:
“Kenyans were supposed to skip this jamhuri event in order to teach Ruto a lesson. Therefore, anyone connected to Ruto should also learn a lesson because Ruto is a persecuter, just like Saul in the Bible.” Omondi said.
“The only path to a peaceful existence is tolerance. If we are unable to uphold our own constitution, how can Kenyans claim to be democratic? Associational freedom exists. Not every Kenyan can be a member of the same political party or association. If our behavior and attitudes do not change, there is a serious risk to our own peaceful coexistence. I wish we could respect each citizen’s freedom of association and career. Anna cool said.
By Newsmedia