A section of revellers attending the latest edition of the Blankets and Wine festival at Kasarani Indoor Sports Arena on Sunday, June 7, briefly turned a musical performance into a political moment after breaking into chants of “Wantam” during Mutoriah’s set.
The singer-songwriter had been entertaining a packed venue with a string of popular songs, backed by a live band that kept the audience engaged. The atmosphere remained festive, with fans singing along and dancing throughout the performance.
The mood shifted midway when Mutoriah moved from the keyboard to a guitar. As he paused to tune the instrument before continuing, sections of the crowd began coordinated chants of “Wantam”.
The slogan, increasingly associated with opposition politics ahead of the 2027 General Election, quickly spread across parts of the arena and echoed for several minutes, momentarily overshadowing the music.
“Wantam” has largely been linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has emerged as one of the government’s most vocal critics since leaving office in 2024.
The phrase has gained traction among some opposition supporters as a symbol of political dissatisfaction and calls for change.
Mutoriah did not respond to the chants or engage the crowd politically. He was seen observing the audience briefly, smiling slightly, before resuming his performance and steering the set back to its musical focus.
The incident unfolded during another edition of Blankets and Wine, one of Kenya’s longest-running lifestyle and music festivals. The quarterly event attracted thousands of attendees from across the country for performances by local artistes, DJs and entertainers.
This year’s edition was held under the theme “Your Taste Lives Here”, reflecting the festival’s focus on celebrating Kenyan music, culture and creative expression. It also marked 17 years of Blankets and Wine, underscoring its influence on the country’s entertainment scene.
While music remained the main attraction throughout the day, the spontaneous chants during Mutoriah’s performance became one of the most talked-about moments of the festival.