Mashujaa Day turns festive as Ruto grooves to 'Anguka Nayo' during celebrations in Kwale

President William Ruto and other top government officials and leaders joined in the Mashujaa Day festivities by dancing to the viral hit song ‘Anguka Nayo’ during the celebrations in Kwale County.

The song, performed by the rap duo Wadagliz, added a lively twist to the day as leaders, including First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, Deputy President nominee Kithure Kindiki, Speakers Moses Wetang'ula (National Assembly), Amason Kingi (Senate) and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, stood up and danced to the infectious beat.

The leaders, who typically participate in formal speeches and ceremonies, showcased a more relaxed side as they embraced the upbeat atmosphere. Spectators both young and old cheered as the group moved to the music.

The celebration, aimed at honouring Kenya’s historical figures, took a lighter turn, drawing smiles from those in attendance.

The song Anguka Nayo, which became a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok during the anti-government protests, has been a significant part of Kenya’s pop culture recently, making it a fitting anthem for the day.

President Ruto and government officials dance to 'Anguka Nayo' during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale.#MashujaaDay2024 pic.twitter.com/IJtNvkXGMb

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 20, 2024

Less than 10 days since it was published on YouTube, the song 'Anguka Nayo' racked up over 1.3 million views - and it's still a popular tune among Kenyans.

The song, originally intended as a fun party track, has taken on new meaning in Kenya's current political landscape.

The beat, sampled from DJ Creme de la Creme’s hit Kufa Juu, features a bouncy rhythm that pulls listeners to the dancefloor.

Ironically, during the anti-government protests, Anguka Nayo became a rallying cry for political dissent, with Kenyans using the phrase to mock public figures embroiled in controversies.

The song has become so synonymous with current events that it has featured prominently in videos discussing political developments, with the chorus being repurposed for humorous takes on government decisions.

TikTok challenges based on the song also went viral, with both citizens and politicians joining the trend to reconnect with the public.

After the President dropped all his Cabinet Secretaries, it was yet another opportunity to blast 'Anguka Nayo' across the country.

The song was even converted into a slogan for protests with several posters circulating online, announcing the July 16 protests, being titled “Anguka Nayo, Tuesday July 16 Nationwide protests.”

In an interview, the hit makers explained that the song was inspired by their love for good vibes, dancing, and simply enjoying themselves.

"We just wanted to create something that people could dance to and feel good about," Kantel Mdagliz said.