Tanzanian gospel star Christiana Shusho has cleared the air about her recent track, “Zakayo,” which sparked widespread speculation in Kenya two months ago. She clarified that the song was not inspired by recent events in Kenya, as many had assumed, but was based on a Biblical story.
Prior to the official release of “Zakayo,” Shusho teased the track, which quickly caught the attention of Kenyan social media. Many listeners immediately linked the title to President William Ruto, who had been nicknamed “Zakayo” due to his tax policies. The song’s release also coincided with public protests in Kenya against the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed significant tax hikes, leading some to believe the song was a political commentary.
However, Shusho dispelled these rumors, explaining that “Zakayo” was inspired by the Biblical figure Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, and had been written long before the political unrest in Kenya. She clarified that the song was part of a collection of 25 tracks she had prepared for future projects. “Not at all, the song had nothing to do with Kenya. The inspiration came from the Bible, not from Kenya. I wrote the song a long time ago. It just so happened that when I released ‘Zakayo,’ it resonated with Kenyans at that particular time. It wasn’t aimed at anyone, and I meant no harm,” Shusho stated.
She also emphasized that the timing of the song’s release was purely coincidental and not intended as a commentary on or influence over Kenyan politics. In addition, Shusho shared that she is considering establishing a home in Kenya due to her frequent visits for concerts and engagements. She expressed a deep affection for the country and the warm reception she receives from her Kenyan fans, saying, “Every time I am in Kenya, I feel welcomed, I feel at home.” Shusho is now seriously contemplating making Kenya her permanent residence.
