Nairobi, Kenya – July 21, 2025 : Kenyan rapper Dyana Cods has publicly apologized to her fans for her controversial remarks in support of President William Ruto. The apology came during a performance at Zetech University, where the “Set It” hitmaker was seen kneeling on stage in a viral video, expressing visible remorse.
“I Choose You Over Any President,” Says Emotional Dyana Cods
In an emotional moment captured on camera, Cods addressed the crowd:
“Na apologize to everybody, nawependa manze. Sorry for the words I said that hurt you. Nawependa mafans wangu sana, I choose you over any president.”
The apology follows intense public backlash after Dyana posted messages on her Instagram stories defending President Ruto during a period of national unrest marked by protests over police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and government accountability.
Watch the viral video clip of her apology shared by blogger Francis Gaitho on X (formerly Twitter).
“It Was a Dare,” Rapper Clarifies
Dyana Cods initially stirred controversy by defending the president online, stating:
“I don’t understand the hate. God protect him. I love my president and I stand by that.”
This sparked outrage across social media, with many accusing her of being tone-deaf to the country’s worsening socio-political climate.
In response, she deleted the posts and issued another explanation:
“Sorry to the people I offended. Ilikuwa inside joke, kwani hamjui jokes,” she wrote.
“Ata nyinyi mnajua gava zi. I stand with the people,” she later added.
Cods revealed that the pro-government post was part of a truth-or-dare game, saying she only intended to keep it online for 24 hours. The backlash, however, prompted her to take it down early. “Nimewachana na hiyo mchezo. #Wantam,” she wrote.
New Song Hints at Political Satire
The rapper also announced she’s working on a new track titled “Zakayo Unashuka”, a phrase widely used by critics of President Ruto. The move has been interpreted as a pivot back toward social commentary and alignment with public sentiment.
Keep Reading:
- How artists are responding to political protests in Kenya
- Timeline of protests against police brutality in Kenya
- What is Zakayo Unashuka? The meme behind the moment
- Why Gen Z Kenyans are turning to art for protest
Social Media Reactions
Public reactions to Dyana Cods’ apology were mixed. Some fans forgave her, citing her youth and courage to apologize, while others felt the damage had already been done.
