Uongo Uongo Video
“Uongo. Uongo. Hiyo ni uongo.” How many times have you shared this video on social media or even said it out loud while listening to false narratives?
Well, this viral moment is tied to Kenya’s 2022 general election campaign season, when politicians and their supporters were polishing their images with lies of all kinds in order to win. The video can be traced back to Nandi County where residents who had attended a political forum called out the lies of one speaker. The speaker was answered with – 'Lies. Lies. That’s a lie' in Swahili, when he alleged that Nandi Governor’s – Stephen Sang – son had disbursed bursaries worth 200 million across the county.
If you’re saying you’ve never seen or shared this video before then hiyo ni uongo.
Sina Maoni
It’s so unlike Kenyans to not have opinions. This is likely the reason “sina maoni,” translated as 'I have no opinion' became a social media sensation.
A Uasin Gishu County voter nonchalantly said, “sina maoni kabisa” live on television on 9th August 2022. Afterwards, media shock didn’t even result from his lack of opinion. The fact that he had warmed himself up for the question and even gathered his thoughts to say he had no opinion had Kenyans all over social media weak on their knees. Since then, the phrase is every Kenyan’s crutch word for tricky situations.
After this man’s unexpected response, the phrase became a popular Kenyan way of removing oneself from offering unwarranted insights.
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Safari Rally Meme
Arap Marindich Mwenyewe is his name and making people split at the sides with laughter is his game. The comedian went viral earlier this year with a mere 1-minute video of him acting like a downtrodden rally driver. With his navigator Kaptula by his side, Arap goes on to lament about the strenuous rally. In fact, he mentions an instance where the car nearly rolled over and competitors were zooming by. Interestingly enough, Kaptula is Arap’s real-life navigator as the man who encouraged Arap to put his comedic skills to work.
While at the WRC weekend rally, Arap and Kaptula saw a rare opportunity to make a funny video. They asked to commandeer a car that had broken down and acted out the skit. As cars flew by, Arap got dustier and dustier – an effect that only added to the hilarious nature of the skit.
And just like that, in came the memes. Arap has often taken centre stage in a popular meme circulating the web. It originates from the video where he looks hopeful in one image and devastated in the next. Since its release, Kenyans have taken to social media to poke fun at situations where one begins with a positive mindset only for it to be crushed.
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Kata Simu Tupo Site
Back in July, the phrase “kata simu tupo site” gained traction on social media. We owe this viral moment to Tanzanian comedian Umar Iahbedi Issa, known simply by his stage name, Mzee Mjegeje, who uttered these words when freestyling a rap song. The phrase has caught on with Kenyan netizens who weave it into the stories they share online. Brands have also adapted this phrase and use it to announce the launch of a product, service, or event.
How often do you hear this phrase used your day to day? And when last did you use it in conversation?
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