When we talk slang and phrases that have gained popularity over the past 12 months, we will surely celebrate Kenyans for being creative.
You can bet on them to turn every serious situation into a meme, a phrase or slang that can be used on almost every occasion.
If you've been scrolling through the internet, you must have come across these listed slang or as most youth call them- sheng and phrases.
Rosecoco
If the internet has been your friend, you must have stumbled upon the popular buzzword, 'Rosecoco'
While it used to be all about that delicious dish that goes perfectly with chapati, it seems like 'Rosecoco' is more than soups and curries.
Now, instead of a tasty side dish, it's become a symbol for, well, a woman's nether regions.
Yes, you read that right! The innocent bean has taken on a whole new identity, and it's all about celebrating the power and beauty of the female anatomy.
So, next time you enjoy a plate of chapati and beans, just remember that you might be indulging in a little more than you bargained for!
Kitawaramba
The term "Kitawaramba" gained popularity when Pastor Paul Mackenzie, leader of Good News International Church, was arrested for allegedly heading a starvation cult linked to over 400 deaths.
As he was put into the police vehicle in April, Mackenzie uttered the phrase, "Mnachopigana nacho hamkijui na kitawaramba, kitawaramba nawaambia."
Loosely translated as; "You don't know what you are fighting with, it will haunt you I tell you."
This phrase quickly permeated day-to-day conversations, serving as a warning or indicating dire consequences.
It found its way into music, political discourse, and various media.
Samburu West Constituency Member of Parliament Naisula Lesuuda once warned the Kenya Kwanza team in Parliament using the phrase.
"I just want to warn them, if you do not listen to the ground right now, kitawaramba when the time comes."
The term gained such popularity that it made it to the Associated Press Word of 2023.
Mambo ni matatu
During his visit to Western Kenya in late August, President William Ruto stated, "Na wakitaka kuniletea kisirani, mambo ni matatu, either wahame Kenya, ama nitawaweka jela ama waende mbinguni," which translates to "If they want to bring me trouble, there are three options: either they leave Kenya, or I'll put them in jail, or they go to heaven."
Ruto's statement was seemingly directed at sugar tycoons believed to be hindering efforts to revive the sugar subsector.
The phrase however gained widespread popularity, leading to the production of "Mambo Ni Matatu" T-shirts by entrepreneurs.
Some shirts featured parody messages related to the three options mentioned.
Various companies and organizations adopted the phrase in their daily communications including for advertisement purposes.
President Ruto continued to use the phrase, and in October, it was revealed that he had patented it through Adrian Kamotho Njenga & Company Advocates.
This means he now holds exclusive rights to the use of the phrase, making it illegal for others to use it.
Zakayo
Zakayo is a term from the Bible referring Zacchaeus, who was a tax collector. The term gained prominence when President William Ruto signed the infamous Finance Bill into law.
Ruto believes that the Act serves as a strategic solution to address the country's financial challenges through taxation.
The name Zakayo started to get prominence when the tax laws came into force.
In May, during a visit to the Kenya Revenue Authority headquarters, Ruto acknowledged being referred to as Zakayo in some areas.
"Since I have been referred to Zakayo in some areas, we will have a tax collector Day and we can all agree on how to collect tax with integrity," he quipped.
