Editor's Review

Kenyans on social media especially X previously known as Twitter are known to make particular phrases trend based on context.

Kenyans on social media especially X previously known as Twitter are known to make particular phrases trend based on context.

In this article, we outline some of the viral phrases that dominated social media in 2023 and united Kenyans.

1. Mambo ni Matatu

The phrase rose to prominence in August when President William Ruto issued a warning to cartels in the sugar sector during a tour to the western region.

“Na nimewaambia mambo ni matatu, mkitaka kuniletea kisirani either wahame Kenya, ama nitawaweka jela, ama wasafiri waende mbiguni,” Ruto stated.

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The famous phrase took a totally different trajectory after Kenyans decided to use it to come up with funny videos and memes that left netizens in stitches.

The phrase was also adopted by entrepreneurs who printed it on various merchandise such as T-shirts.

Ruto in October through his lawyer Adrian Kamotho trademarked the phrase and is now a protected intellectual property. This means anyone desiring to use the phrase must seek the consent of the President to avert the legal consequences. 

File image of President William Ruto. 

2. Mwalimu Wa Maths Hapa ni Wapi

The ‘Mwalimu wa math, hapa ni wapi’ slang became viral on TikTok after Kenyans used it to show their success and mock their maths teachers who didn’t show confidence in their future.

The original video was coined by a Kenyan soldier and his two colleagues while doing a patrol in an unknown location.

 In the video, the trio mocked their maths teacher, saying he had predicted that they would fail, perhaps because of their poor academic ability.

In November, a Kenyan who was angered by the phrase, wrote to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) asking for the banning of that statement saying it was promoting hate speech.

File image of a Kenyan soldier who coined the "Hapa ni Wapi" phrase.

3. It's Giving Zimbabwe

The phrase rose to prominence after a man, was surprised to see an African market stall in Europe, which made him feel like he was walking through the streets of Africa. After the video went viral, several TikTok users used the sound to make various videos. The phrase also trended in other social media platforms including X previously known as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

4. Kaskie Vibaya Huko Kwenu

The phrase was widely used by Kenyans on social media in 2023. The slang which loosely translates to ‘go feel bad at your home’ became popular after musicians Ssaru and Fathermoh partnered and released the hit song Kaskie Vibaya.

Netizens used the phrase to counterattack social media users who showed disapproval of some incidents, especially during arguments.