Mambo Ni Matatu, Other Political Phrases That Trended In 2023

• The trending words were formed as a result of trending videos, while others were from politicians during political events
• In between all the drama, action, and cheesy theatrics, a lot was said, from the mouths of eminent people to the mouths of everyday fellows
• As the year comes to a close, TUKO.co.ke looks at some of these phrases that prove that, as usual, Kenyans never disappoint

Dennis Lubanga, a Kenyan journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than 10 years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi - Kenyans online have made the year 2023 the funniest with political phrases that have become popular.

The words were formed as a result of trending videos, while others were from politicians during political events.

In between all the drama, action, and cheesy theatrics, a lot was said, from the mouths of eminent people to the mouths of everyday fellows.

The social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the hotbed of all things fervid, continued to breed an avalanche of memorable catchphrases and slogans that remained etched in the minds of Kenyans for months.

And as the year comes to a close, TUKO.co.ke looks at some of these phrases that prove that, as usual, Kenyans never disappoint.

1. Mambo ni matatu

In October 2023, President William Ruto trademarked the ‘Mambo ni Matatu’ remark, meaning that the phrase is now protected intellectual property.

The phrase first gained prominence in September 2023, when the head of state issued a stern warning to the sugar sector “cartels.”.

The catchphrase was later picked by business people who printed the words on merchandise, including T-shirts and cups.

Lawyer Adrian Kamotho said anyone seeking to use the phrase alongside the three-finger sign must seek permission from the president.

2. Kitakuramba

Popular Kenyan saying 'Kitawaramba', popularised by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, found its way to the Associated Press's (AP) Word of the Year list.

Pastor Mackenzie, accused of leading a starvation doomsday cult that led to the deaths of more than 400 people, infamously uttered the word 'Kitakuramba' as a warning to anyone involved in a campaign of crucifying him.

Mackenzie swore that people would face the repercussions of their actions towards him.

The novel word, which sounded like a threat, quickly took on a life of its own, with Kenyans now using it in their everyday conversations as a verbal harbinger of trouble ahead.

3. Shares

The phrase came into being in February 2023, when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared that government appointments and contracts were the preserve of those who voted for the Kenya Kwanza government.

Gachagua said the ruling administration will reward its staunch supporters and those who toiled to put the current government in office and give the least consideration to members of the opposition.

“This government is a company that has shares. Some owners have the majority of shares and those with just a few, while others do not have any. You invested in this government, and you must reap the rewards. You sowed, tilled, put manure in, and irrigated, and now it is time to reap,” the country’s second-in-command said.

Gachagua, who was speaking in Kericho, said it is laughable that some members of the opposition have started trooping to the state house seeking government positions.

4. Empty coffers

On Sunday, December 24, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka slammed the Kenya Kwanza government over their continued narrative that they found empty coffers.

Speaking to TV47, Kalonzo emphasised that the ruling administration had been in power for the past year and should have no justification for not fulfilling the promises made to Kenyans.

Additionally, he pointed out that current data reveals the government's daily collection exceeding KSh 900 million through e-Citizen, making the 'empty coffers' narrative hard to believe.

“There is no evidence of what they are saying about empty coffers; we hear that story; it is a very easy narrative to get away with; the other one you want to confuse Kenyans is state capture, while in fact, it is them who are now actually doing exactly that,” he added.

5. State capture

Also, as the year comes to an end, it is now emerging that the events that preceded the announcement of Ruto as president at the Bomas of Kenya during the hotly contested August 9 General Election may be revisited in 2024.

The ruling Kenya Kwanza administration plans to form a commission to investigate state capture, among other socio-economic ills.

Leaders who may have sanctioned extrajudicial killings, oversaw economic manipulation, or abused their authority, leading to the suffering of Kenyans, may also be exposed.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said the government will establish a State Capture Commission in February.

What is state capture

State capture refers to a kind of systemic political corruption where private interests majorly influence the decision-making processes of a state to their own advantage.

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke listed some hilarious phrases that captured people's attention in 2023.

For instance, Gachagua first uttered the phrase truthful man during the 2022 Deputy Presidential Debate.

Gachagua now uses it to reaffirm that he is an honest man and a leader of integrity. More so, a straightforward and candid DP!