Emmanuel Omurunga
A seemingly innocuous phrase uttered by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a recent political rally has taken Kenya by storm, captivating the hearts of millions and dominating social media conversations. The term “Cuzo,” a colloquial twist on “cousin,” has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, spreading like wildfire across the nation and transcending its origins as a simple greeting.
Gachagua’s impassioned speech in Kasemeni, Kwale County, marked the birth of this viral sensation. As he addressed the cheering crowd, he likened a new political alliance to a family reunion, affectionately referring to his audience as “Cuzo.” The crowd’s enthusiastic response was palpable, and the phrase quickly gained traction on social media platforms.
Kenyans have wholeheartedly embraced “Cuzo,” incorporating it into their daily conversations, memes, and captions. The phrase has become a symbol of unity, friendship, and humor, with many using it to express solidarity and camaraderie. From romantic and friendship posts to group photos and videos, “Cuzo” has become an integral part of Kenyan pop culture.
According to Brian Osoro, an X user, the success of “Cuzo” can be attributed to Gachagua’s use of relatable language. “When a politician uses language that resonates with the people, especially something as casual as ‘cousin,’ it sticks,” Osoro explained. “Kenyans love turning political moments into pop culture, and ‘Cuzo’ is the perfect example of this.”
The phenomenon of “Cuzo” is not unprecedented in Kenya, where politics and culture often intersect. The country’s history of adopting slang and colloquialisms from political rallies and speeches has paved the way for “Cuzo” to become a lasting part of its cultural vocabulary.
As Kenya looks ahead to the 2025 political season, it’s clear that “Cuzo” will play a significant role in shaping the national conversation. Whether used seriously or sarcastically, the phrase has become a rallying cry for unity and togetherness, transcending its origins as a simple greeting.
In the words of Gachagua himself, “Hi cousins, Hi cousins, Hi macuzo, and the journey of cousins, the family of people who are like-minded, who were born together and have the same tradition, the time for the cousins to come together is now.” As Kenya continues to rally behind “Cuzo,” one thing is certain – this unlikely phrase has become a cultural force to be reckoned with.
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