Kenyans are renowned for their creativity, especially in coining unique slang terms that often dominate social media platforms.
The year 2024 was no exception, as Kenyans introduced new slang expressions that quickly gained popularity and became widely used in online conversations. Below are a few.
Bora usiguse murima
The slang became popular after being repeatedly used by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while warning politicians against interfering with Mt Kenya politics.
Kenyans on X used the phrase to come up with funny videos and memes about the former DP that left netizens in stitches.
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They will not believe
This phrase was coined by policy analyst and social commentator Gabriel Oguda as he criticized the Kenya Kwanza government. Netizens picked up the phrase to call out people and the government, especially on controversial issues.
However, Oguda toned down after as ection of ODM leaders and his boss, Opiyo Wandayi, joined the government as a cabinet secretary for energy and petroleum.
Anguka nayo
The phrase was derived from the Anguka Nayo song, which was at the centre of the anti-government protests.
On the X platform, users made the phrase go viral by creating hilarious memes and ridicule videos.
Other netizens used the phrase to demand changes in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Afande please
The phrase gained popularity at the height of the anti-government protests when there were countless arrests, abductions, and kidnappings of protesters by the police.
The arrests raised concerns among Kenyans, who questioned how the police were able to arrest almost everyone on their radar.
Kenyans realized that some of the security officers were hiding in plain sight and interacting with civilians without being detected.
The phrase 'Afande please' was coined to discourage any surreptitious movements by the police, who would say the phrase to suspicious people who asked about their whereabouts. The phrase even found its way onto T-shirts.
Inject
This catchphrase became widely popular in 2024, especially among drama-loving social media users who used it to escalate or add humor to situations.
The slang was also coined by Oguda in his sarcastic critiques of the Kenya Kwanza government, further cementing its place in online discussions.
At the height of the anti-government protests, Kenayns used the slang to pile pressure on the President Ruto-led administration to drop the infamous Finance Bill 2024.
Gotha
The slang went viral in 2024 after Breeder LW released his hit song 'Dedi Dedilee'. The popular catchphrase was coined by MC Zediambo in the Mbogi Nare reggae mixtapes.
It is derived from the Kikuyu word Kugutha which means to hit.
Kudonjo
The catchphrase is derived from the Luo word 'donjo' which means to enter. The slang also means to enter or to arrive and in some cases it can be used to mean something interesting.
The phrase went viral in 2024 after it was used by Ngwethe TV. The slang was also used in songs such as 'Dance ya Kudonjo' and 'Kudonjo Kudunda'.
Kunifish Kumalo
The slang was also coined by MC Zediambo and is taken from the Swahili word 'Kumaliza,' which means to finish. It went viral on social media after being used by Ngwethe TV.
The phrase is also used in the abarntone song Finish Kumalo by Tipsy Gee, Spoiler, and Soundkraft.
