In the clip which he first shared on Wednesday, March 25, Mwenda, in a witty mix of Swahili, English and Sheng’, delivers advice on precautionary measures to take while decked out in Kenyan flag-themed clothing.
Mwendwa became known to many Kenyans in 2013 when he awed crowds at Jubilee Party campaign events with poems and jokes as an 8-year-old and eventually performed at events including Churchill Show and the launch of the Jubilee Party manifesto. He shared many light moments with President Uhuru Kenyatta whom he considers his friend.
His video on Covid-19 was widely shared and reposted on platforms including Whatsapp, Twitter and Facebook, sparking various reactions with many impressed by the boy’s confidence and well-delivered message.
Ryan Mwenda pictured with First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at a Jubilee Party event in September 2016
He urged Kenyans to open their eyes to the Covid-19 pandemic as a global crisis and not a failure of government, calling on them to adhere to social distancing directives.
Mwenda further called for people to stay at home, advising his fellow students to spend their time studying.
“Let’s wash our hands with soap and running water. Let’s sanitize our hands. Let’s avoid over-crowded places, let’s stay indoors. Let’s stay safe.
“Watoi wenzangu, season ya kuride bike si saahii. Rieng ni kusoma, kumanga na kutulia kwa keja (My fellow kids, this isn’t the time to be riding bikes. It’s time to study, eat and relax indoors),” he stated.
The young entertainer further cautioned those traveling to the country from foreign nations to ensure they entered self-quarantine.
He urged Kenyans to comply with government directives meant to combat the pandemic, warning that the consequences of not doing so would be dire.
“If we behave normally, this disease called Corona will treat us abnormally. Wacha niwachapie, mi napenda nchi yangu, napenda Kenya, napenda Wakenya (Let me tell you, I love my country, I love Kenya and I love Kenyans,” Mwenda asserted.
The video elicited a flood of responses, with many urging the young lad to keep nurturing his talent as they appreciated his important message.
“I wish this can run on live tv,” wrote Edwin Sigunga.
“Wow indeed! Kudos to the champ” shared Susan Kamau.
Watch Mwenda’s video below:
https://dailymotion.com/video/x7sy8k6?autoPlay=0
