Renowned Kenyan rapper Dyana Cods has publicly apologized to her fans for her controversial remarks expressing support for President William Ruto. The "Set It" hitmaker was captured in a widely circulated video, kneeling on stage after a performance, her face etched with visible contrition as she sought forgiveness from her audience.
"Na apologize to everybody, nawependa manze. Sorry for the words I said that hurt you. Nawependa mafans wangu sana, I choose you over any president," the emotional "Chude Genje" rapper declared, a stark pivot from her earlier stance. This heartfelt apology underscores the immense pressure public figures face in navigating Kenya's often-charged socio-political landscape, especially amidst widespread protests against police brutality, perceived injustices, and economic hardship.
The apology follows a period of intense online backlash that erupted when Dyana Cods initially questioned Kenyans' criticisms of President Ruto. In a series of Instagram stories, she boldly stated, "I don’t understand the hate. God protect him. I love my president and I stand by that," a declaration that swiftly triggered an avalanche of negative reactions. She further attempted to contextualize her stance, adding, "Just know a country with bad governance is better than one with no governance. You can’t change the current leader, but you can change the coming generation of leaders." These comments were widely perceived as tone-deaf, given they coincided with raging nationwide protests demanding accountability and change.
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The swift and severe online reaction forced Cods to remove the controversial posts. She later attempted to diffuse the situation by claiming the remarks were merely an "inside joke" or sarcasm. "Sorry to the people I offended. Ilikuwa inside joke, kwani hamjui jokes," she wrote, subsequently adding, "Ata nyinyi mnajua gava zi. I stand with the people." This attempt to distance herself from genuine support for the head of state highlights the tightrope artists walk between personal views and public perception, particularly when their fan base holds strong political sentiments.
In a surprising twist that speaks to her artistic adaptability and perhaps a desire to fully reconnect with her audience's prevailing mood, Dyana Cods also announced she is actively working on a new track titled "Zakayo Unashuka." This title is a not-so-subtle nod to President Ruto's popular nickname among critics, often used in protest chants, and suggests a strategic alignment with the sentiment she previously seemed to oppose.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the saga, Cods disclosed that her original controversial posts were part of a game of "truth or dare." She claimed she was obligated to keep the posts up for 24 hours but the overwhelming criticism compelled her to change her mind. "Nimewachana na hiyo mchezo. #Wantam," she signed off, signaling an end to the "game" and a renewed focus on her music and fan base.
