The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has called in musician Millicent Jerotich Kipkorir, known professionally as Marakwet Daughter, to address concerns about her recent release “Arap Rutto.”
NCIC has summoned Ms.Millicent Jerotich Kipkorir to appear before the Commission to assist in carrying out investigations on utterances she made in her song titled "Arap Ruto". pic.twitter.com/ppJsvv8UbG
— NCIC Kenya (@NCIC_Kenya) February 5, 2025
The Commission issued a summons on February 5, expressing concern that the song’s content could promote ethnic discord. In their official communication, the NCIC stated:
“Pursuant to the above-mentioned mandate, the Commission is investigating the words used in your hit song; ‘Arap Ruto'” and noted that these were “words which are likely to incite feelings of ethnic contempt, hatred, and hostility and affect harmonious coexistence between different ethnic communities in Kenya, contrary to Section 13(1)(a) and Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.”
Marakwet Daughter “Arap Rutto” Hit Song Contents
Marakwet Daughter, who rose to prominence in 2023 with her hit “Mali Safi Chito,” has taken a political turn with this latest release. The song directly addresses President William Ruto and critiques his administration’s policies. In one verse, she questions:
“Arap Ruto, when did we wrong you? Where? Tell us. Speak up,” and declares, “You buried pity in Sugoi and humanity in Kapchagir.”
The trilingual song, performed in Swahili, Kalenjin, and English, spans just over five minutes and tackles various policy changes under Ruto’s administration, including educational reforms like CBC, the restructuring of student loans from HELB to a new university funding model, and healthcare changes from NHIF to SHA.
Since its release less than two weeks ago, the music video, which incorporates footage of President Ruto at various public events, has accumulated more than 173,000 YouTube views.
The singer has been directed to appear before the commission to assist with their investigation.
