Toxic Lyrikali hints at being coerced into ‘Tutam’ chant after fan backlash
Kenyan rapper Toxic Lyrikali has addressed growing criticism from fans after a video emerged of him shouting “Tutam” — a phrase widely interpreted as an endorsement for President William Ruto’s second term — during a Nairobi empowerment programme held at State House on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The clip, which quickly spread across social media, drew sharp reactions from sections of his fan base, with some threatening to cancel him for what they saw as political alignment.
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In Kenyan political slang, “Tutam” is shorthand for “two terms”, often used by Ruto’s supporters to signal backing for his re-election in 2027 and counter former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s “Wantam” movement, aimed at ensuring the head of state only serves for one term.
Toxic Lyrikali’s response
Responding to the backlash, the Backbencher hitmaker took to his official Instagram account with a cryptic message, noting that he couldn’t have said “Wantam” in the presence of the head of state.
“Ground ni ile ile. Niseme one tam akiwa apo nipotezwe,” the rapper stated.
President William Ruto on Saturday, August 9, 2025, hosted an empowerment programme in which he distributed items such as motorbikes, car wash equipment, and public address systems to young people.
Toxic’s State House performance
Toxic Lyrikali and Bahati are some of the artists who performed at the event.
Toxic took to the stage to entertain the attendees with his Backbencher hit. Soon after his performance, his clip surfaced on social media, attracting mixed reactions.
In the video, Dagoretti South Member of Parliament (MP) John Kiarie is seen leading Toxic onto the stage to a strategic position in front of Ruto.
Kiarie then instructed Toxic to say that Ruto would serve two terms.
However, Toxic continued with his performance and left the stage. Kiarie called him back and told him to say “Tutam”.
Toxic was seen complying with the instructions before going ahead to greet the president and later posing for a photo together.
