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Kenyan comedian and script writer Eddie Butita has come to the defence of old-generation music legends after online attacks were directed towards them following their performance at the Jamhuri Day Celebrations on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

A section of Kenyans have been calling out the artistes who performed at the event that was held at Uhuru Gardens, terming them as traitors for honouring an invitation from State House to entertain the ettendees.

However, Butita argues that he does not see any offence in an artiste performing at a Jamhuri Day Celebrations event.

He has also lauded the musicians for putting up a great performance.

“Si kwa ubaya, mtu ataona ni ubaya pia akasirike tu. Msanii kuperfom Jamuhuri iko na shida gani? Anyway great performance from the Legends that was splendid,” Butita said in a statement shared via his official X account on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Si kwa ubaya, mtu ataona ni ubaya pia akasirike tu. Msanii kuperfom Jamuhuri iko na shida gani? Anyway great performance from the Legends that was splendid.

— Eddie Butita OGW (@eddiebutita) December 12, 2024

Popular controversial X user Francis Gaitho has been leading the attacks against the artistes, with him going to an extent of sharing their personal phone contacts for the purposes of the famous “salamu” that tormented a section of the lawmakers during the 2024 Finance Bill protests.

Jamhuri Day performances

Unlike other national holidays where the government could blend the new-school and old-school genres of music, the 61st Jamhuri celebration settled on big names which ruled the airwaves back in the day.

The artistes were ushered on stage by a well-organised hype set led by Guddah Man who forced the attendees to stand and jam to the electrifying performance from the artistes.

Hip-hop group, P-Unit made up of Frasha, Bonnie Eye, and Gabu opened the floor with some of their legendary hits including Kare and You Guy.

They were followed by former Starehe Member of Parliament Charles “Jaguar” Kanyi who moved the attendees with his Najiangalia kwa Kioo and Kipepeo heyday songs.

DNA also performed his famous Banjuka tu hit.

Other artistes who performed are Mr Lenny, Madtraxx, Mejja, Collo, Jua Cali, Gidi Gidi, Maji Maji, and Habib, the late E-Sir’s brother who was accorded an opportunity to sing his songs.

Daddy Owen and Esther Wahome were also brought to the podium to entertain Kenyans with some of their old skool gospel hits.