Kenyan rapper King Kaka is facing heavy criticism after appearing with nominated senator Karen Nyamu on his new cooking show. The artist, whose real name is Kennedy Ombima, built his name as a fearless voice against corruption.
In 2019 he shook the nation with his spoken word piece Wajinga Nyinyi which called out politicians for theft and abuse of power. The song positioned him as a bold critic who stood for justice.
On September 8, 2025, King Kaka posted a teaser for his show Let Him Cook featuring Karen Nyamu. The short clip shared on X showed the two laughing in aprons while preparing prawns. The episode sponsored by Bio Foods Kenya aimed to combine food and celebrity conversations. The full video was uploaded on YouTube and within hours gathered more than 4,000 views.
What was meant to be fun entertainment quickly turned into controversy. Many Kenyans questioned why the rapper who once spoke against political leaders is now smiling beside one of them. Nyamu, a United Democratic Alliance senator, is often in headlines for scandals and her bold statements in defense of government. Critics say she represents the same politics King Kaka once rejected.
Online users did not hold back. One wrote that it was confusing to see the man who once called citizens fools for tolerating leaders now happily working with one. Another commented that King Kaka had moved from rapping about political buffoonery to dining with the very people he accused.
Memes and jokes spread fast with some suggesting he should release a new version of Wajinga Nyinyi mocking himself.
Not everyone agreed with the backlash. Some fans defended the show saying it was only about food and not politics. They argued that artists should be free to invite whoever they want as guests. Still, the anger on social media showed how deeply people value the role King Kaka once played.
The rapper has not responded to the criticism. For many of his fans the question now is whether he has lost the credibility that made him stand out. By cooking with a controversial politician King Kaka may have stirred more heat than the meal itself.
By Kenyans