Ben Githae: Why I Opted for Raila Over Ruto

In a TV interview on Saturday, March 19, Githae noted that he chose to follow the Azimio la Umoja movement, after the Head of State informed him of his frosty relationship with his Deputy and his newfound political dalliance with Raila.

The gospel singer added that the political trajectory is subject to change, going by the seasons, and that Kenyans should not be surprised by his support for the former Prime Minister. 

“You know dynamics change, so at the time I was supporting Uhuru, and I began supporting him in 2007 till now. We had a conversation with him over the same issue and he informed me that we changed direction (in favour of Raila) due to a number of issues. Uhuru has never misled me so he confirmed that Raila is the right direction to take. So, I followed him on that path,” Githae stated.

While discussing the impact of the entertainment industry within the political season, Githae pointed out that his Tano Tena song in the 2017 General Election became a movement in itself and created a cult-like following that supported the UhuRuto bid. 

Seeking to recreate the same force in the Azimio la Umoja, he noted that the Baba Tosha song was already sweeping the youth in rallies. 

“Tano Tena was quite impactful during the 2017 campaign and election period, it is still impactful today,” The singer affirmed. 
Githae had initially vowed to make a campaign song for Raila if President Kenyatta would publicly endorse the Former Premier. 

“I saw people trolling me the other day after I was photographed with Raila Odinga. Some claimed that I have moved to support him but, what they didn’t know was the context of our meeting,†the singer expressed.

“I am a staunch supporter of Uhuru, if he says I support Raila, I will support him,†he added.

The singer has in the past expressed his relationship with Uhuru, noting that they share a close bond with the Head of State. 

“When I lost my mother and he called me and also directed me to the person to go and see for his support. That is how tight I am with him,†the gospel singer stated.

Gospel artist Ben Githae pictured with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi in 2017