Who is rapper Toxic Lyrikali and why is he under fire? Drama explained

Toxic Lyrikali is a popular rapper from Kayole, Nairobi. On 9 August 2025, he performed at State House, the president’s home, during an event where President William Ruto gave out tool kits and machines to youth as part of an empowerment program. The trip was meant to be a high point for the rapper. Instead, it caused a storm online.

At the event, MP John Kiarie asked him to say “Two Term,” or in Kiswahili, “Tutam,” which supports the president serving a second term. Toxic hesitated, then repeated the phrase, shook the president’s hand, and walked off. A video of that moment went viral. Fans saw him as siding with power when they believed he stood with the poor. Suddenly, he became a villain to many.

What fans are saying about Toxic Lyrikali?

Many fans felt betrayed. Some wrote that anyone can be betrayed under pressure. Others called on fans to cancel him.

"We cancel Lyrikali, there is no way you can betray the trust of Kenyans who pushed your music to where it is. Bila sisi anadhani angepata hio platform?? This is why siskizangi most Kenyan artists, wako willing to compromise their ethics for the bag ni kama hao hulala njaa," one commenter @_toxicprince96 said.

"Toxic Lyrikali is a talent artist wasted by decision making....He could have withstood the pressure of performing at The Statehouse," user @TheBoy__Wonder commented.

Online, critics compared this to artists in other countries who keep their views even if they lose money.

"Kenyans must normalize deplatforming all Kasongo William Ruto sympathisers starting with those who went to State House to bootlick him yesterday. Let Toxic Lyrikali be your first priority," an user @PeratoN_Senior commented.

"I respect Toxic Lyrikali's decision to put his career first, he doesn't deserve any cancellation. Emotions za kishenzi tueke aside," one user @GithuDaktari defended him.

"I stand with lyrikali" another user @rangoke_2 commented.

Who is Toxic Lyrikali, and what’s at stake?

Toxic Lyrikali comes from Kayole, a lower-income area of Nairobi. He rose fast thanks to songs like “Backbencher,” topping charts on Spotify and Apple Music. The music video for that song has over 3.3 million views.

Many saw him as a voice for ghetto youth. He spoke for those fighting joblessness, police abuse, and injustice. That image took a hit after the event. The backlash is serious. Some unfollowed him online, and some media channels say his career is at a crossroads.

The event at the State House was part of Ruto’s youth empowerment drive. It included giving out motorbikes and equipment. Ruto said it was about helping people left behind, but for many fans, the incident became more about politics than uplift.

The State House event ended with photos of President Ruto and the artists who attended. Toxic Lyrikali left soon after his performance. Neither the president nor his team has commented on the reaction to the “Tutam” chant. For now, the online debate continues, and his next public appearance will be watched closely.

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