President William Ruto just proved he’s tuned in to the culture. While addressing Kenyans, he riffed off the viral “ma-cousins” trend in a call for unity—blending serious politics with pop lingo that’s been lighting up Kenyan social media.
Highlights
- President Ruto tapped into the “ma-cousins” trend during a national address
- He said it’s his duty to unite all Kenyans—including relatives, neighbours, and even enemies
- The quote quickly went viral, with Kenyans remixing and reacting online
- His use of trending language sparked both praise and playful memes
- Critics say the youth want more than relatability—they want action
Main Story
During a recent public address, President Ruto delivered a message of unity that doubled as a cultural moment. He stated: “Nitaunganisha mandugu, ma-cousins, majirani, maadui, wote.” The phrasing, especially “ma-cousins,” instantly resonated with Kenyans who have turned the term into a trending phrase across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
The “ma-cousins” trend began as part of Kenyan internet humour, where users jokingly refer to chaotic or controversial relatives and situations in exaggerated Sheng or English. It’s now evolved into a broader meme used to describe everything from awkward family events to online drama.
By weaving the viral phrase into a national message, Ruto appears to be aligning his image with youth culture—showing he’s listening and engaging beyond the traditional political space. The line went viral within hours, with edited memes, remixes, and parody videos flooding social feeds.
Online, the reception was split—some applauded Ruto’s “relatable” tone, while others dismissed it as performative. Many reminded the government that while humour softens the message, issues like unemployment, inflation, and police brutality remain deeply serious.
When presidents speak the language of the people, the question remains—will they walk the talk, too?
