“Cuzo” Craze Takes Over Kenyan Social Media After Gachagua’s Viral Rally Moment

 

By  Maxwel Maungo

A new political buzzword is sweeping across Kenya, capturing the imagination of both netizens and pundits alike. The unlikely origin? A casual moment at a roadside rally where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua coined the now-viral term “Cuzo.”

While addressing a crowd in Kasemeni, Kwale County, during a campaign stop alongside opposition allies, Gachagua playfully asked, “Makuzo mko hamko? Makuzo mko hamko?”—Swahili slang meaning “Are the cousins here or not?” The phrase instantly lit up the crowd and soon, the internet.

The word “Cuzo”, a fun and informal twist on “cousin,” has since exploded on X (formerly Twitter) and other social platforms, morphing into a cultural shorthand for unity, friendship, and shared purpose. It’s being used to describe not only political alliances but also friendships, romantic relationships, and online communities.

In his rally speech, Gachagua likened the political coalition—featuring Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K's Eugene Wamalwa—to a large family finally reuniting after time apart. “Hi cousins, Hi cousins, Hi macuzo,” he declared. “This is the journey of cousins—people who think alike, who were raised the same way. Now is the time for the cousins to unite.”

The moment struck a chord online, where Kenyans began flooding timelines with memes, jokes, videos, and captions celebrating “Cuzo culture.” Some social media users now sign off their videos with “Hi cousins,” while others caption group selfies and squad photos with variations of the term.

“Kenyan humour is unmatched,” said X user Brian Osoro. “When politicians use everyday language like ‘cousin,’ it just sticks. We turn serious moments into pop culture—it's how we process and participate in politics.”

This isn’t the first time a political phrase has turned into a viral sensation in Kenya. The country has a long tradition of converting campaign rhetoric into catchy slang—from “tano tena” to “serikali saidia.” But “Cuzo” stands out for its lighthearted, almost affectionate tone, bridging the gap between political messaging and everyday social interaction.

While its long-term political impact remains to be seen, “Cuzo” has already earned its place in the national lexicon. Whether you're part of a political coalition, a friend group, or just vibing online, one thing’s clear:

In Kenya today, everyone’s a Cuzo.

June 09, 2025