In the ever-evolving and often volatile landscape of social media, Kenyan rapper and digital content creator Toxic Lyrikali has once again found himself at the center of a storm. The controversy, which has divided his fan base and sparked a heated debate, stems from his recent appearance at a State House event and a series of cryptic messages that have been interpreted as a political endorsement of President William Ruto. This unfolding drama has put the artist at a crossroads, forcing a conversation about the delicate balance between a celebrity's personal convictions and their public image.
The controversy was ignited following Toxic Lyrikali's attendance at a State House event in Nairobi on Saturday, August 9. The occasion, hosted by President Ruto, was part of a national empowerment drive focused on distributing business equipment to youth groups. While the event was intended to be a showcase of the government's commitment to youth development, it was a video from the event that captured the attention of netizens. In the clip, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie was seen ushering the rapper to a spot in front of the president before prompting him to make a statement. The rapper's subsequent comments, which suggested that Ruto would serve two terms, were widely circulated and immediately drew the ire of a section of his fans.
The backlash intensified on Wednesday, August 13, when Toxic Lyrikali sent a message on social media that further divided his fans. He initially wrote, “Mboka Doba two term!” a phrase he popularized that generally refers to good music. However, given the context of his recent State House appearance, many Kenyans viewed the message as a clear endorsement of Ruto's second presidential bid. The backlash was swift and intense, with many fans threatening to "cancel" the rapper for what they perceived as a betrayal of his artistic and social integrity.
In a move that complicated the narrative, Toxic Lyrikali later edited his message, adding, “Kasongo must go.” This edit, which refers to another popular phrase, was seen by some as an attempt to distance himself from the political endorsement. However, the damage was already done, and his sentiments became the subject of widespread social media speculation. Fans shared mixed views, with some expressing their unwavering support for him, while others voiced their disappointment and disillusionment.
