Mverified: Funny Kenyan Words And Phrases That Trended In 2023

• The year is almost ending and numerous Kenyans provided online banter with their phrases
• From politicians and musicians to even a preacher, the words and phrases they coined went viral
• President William Ruto led the pack with his mambo ni matatu phrase, and his deputy followed suit

Here are some hilarious phrases that captured people's attention in 2023.

Truthful man!

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua first uttered the phrase during the 2022 Deputy Presidential Debate.

Gachagua now uses it to reaffirm that he is an honest man and a leader of integrity. Moreso, a straightforward and candid DP!

Kitakuramba

The phrase was infamously uttered by doomsday preacher Paul Mackenzie shortly after he was arrested over links to cultism.

He issued the warning while in the back of a police car.

In a veiled threat against police officers, Mackenzie said their actions would haunt them (kitawaramba).

He warned that the police officers had no idea what they were against.

Mambo ni matatu

President William Ruto holds exclusive rights to the famous catchphrase.

He uttered the slogan when targeting cartels whom he accused of stifling the sugar industry in Western Kenya.

It loosely translates to 'you have three options'. The politician said that the cartels had the option of either going to jail, leaving the country or ascending to heaven.

Mambo imechemka

The famous phrase was coined and patented by dancehall artist KRG The Don.

It was built on the success of his collaborative banger, Mambo Imechemka, featuring Daddy Andre and Dufla Diligon.

It translates to things being thick, things getting serious, or the situation being hard to bear.

Kaveve kazoze

Popularised by Kenya's Gengetone crew Spider Clan, kaveve kazoze refers to a feeling of high vibe.

When broken down, kaveve means khat, while kazoze means getting high.

Ngesh became famous courtesy of her lines in the song.

Mpoa, mverified or mpermanent

These are phrases used to denote the status of one's relationship. Mpoa refers to a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Mverified refers to a publicly acknowledged partner, one who has been formally introduced to both families.

Mpermanent refers to one's spouse.