In a dramatic turn of events, Kenyan rapper Dyana Cods issued a heartfelt public apology to Kenyans on July 20, 2025, during a performance at Zetech University, retracting her earlier remarks supporting President William Ruto, which had sparked widespread backlash.
The Dyana Cods’ apology, delivered while kneeling on stage, came after her June 29 Instagram Stories defending Ruto’s leadership, prompting mixed reactions, with some fans praising her sincerity and others questioning her motives amid ongoing anti-government protests.
Kenyan rapper Dyana Cods, known for her hit song “Set It,” has become a focal point of national discourse following her public apology to Kenyans for endorsing President William Ruto during a period of intense political unrest.
On June 29, 2025, Cods posted on her Instagram Stories, expressing affection for Ruto and arguing that “bad governance is better than no governance,” a statement that drew fierce criticism from fans and activists.
The backlash intensified as Kenya grappled with youth-led protests against Ruto’s administration, marked by rising costs of living, aggressive taxation, and allegations of police brutality.
Her remarks alienated many fans, who felt betrayed by her support for a government facing accusations of corruption and human rights abuses.
The Dyana Cods’ apology unfolded dramatically during a concert at Zetech University on July 20, 2025, where the 25-year-old rapper knelt before the crowd, pleading for forgiveness.
“I apologise to everybody, nawapenda manze. I’m sorry for the words that I said that hurt you. I choose you over any president,” she said, as captured in a viral Instagram video shared by Ghetto Radio.
This… pic.twitter.com/X9EOMTmeND
— KENYA GOSSIP HUB (@kenyasgossips) July 20, 2025
The emotional gesture drew cheers from some attendees, but as anti-government chants like “Ruto Wantam” echoed, Cods opted not to join, quietly exiting the stage.
This decision sparked further debate, with fans noting, “She apologised, but not chanting with the crowd raises questions.”
Cods’ initial support for Ruto, detailed in a June 30 K24 Digital report, included claims that Kenyans should focus on shaping future leaders rather than criticizing the current regime.
Her comments, made amid protests that left over 100 dead since June 2024, were seen as tone-deaf by many, especially given Ruto’s controversial policies, such as the now-scrapped 2024 Finance Bill.
The Guardian reported that Ruto’s orders to shoot looters in the leg further fuelled public anger, with opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka calling for his resignation.
Cods’ apology aligns her with other artists like Arrow Bwoy, Khaligraph Jones, and Bien, who have also distanced themselves from Ruto’s government, according to Ghetto Radio.
The Dyana Cods Ruto controversy has highlighted the delicate balance Kenyan celebrities navigate in a politically charged climate.
Her earlier Instagram posts, which also urged prayers for Ruto’s protection, were met with ridicule, with fans pointing to her “misstep” as a lesson in public sentiment.
The rapper’s apology, described by Tuko.co.ke as an “inside joke” gone wrong, was an attempt to repair her image, but some fans remain sceptical.
Local daily noted that while some applauded her for owning her mistake, others affirmed their support for Ruto’s second-term bid, reflecting Kenya’s polarised landscape.
Kenya’s ongoing protests, driven by Gen Z, have placed public figures under scrutiny for their political stances. The BBC reported that Ruto, once hailed as a “hustler” championing ordinary Kenyans, now faces unprecedented public anger, with over 100 protest-related deaths since 2024.
Cods’ apology comes amid this backdrop, with The Standard noting that her kneeling gesture was a rare moment of vulnerability for a celebrity in Kenya’s high-stakes entertainment scene.
Her decision to prioritise fans over political allegiance mirrors broader calls for accountability, as seen in protests following the deaths of blogger Albert Ojwang and mask vendor Boniface Kariuki in police custody.
For those tracking Dyana Cods’ latest news, her apology has sparked discussions about the role of artists in political discourse.
Her earlier viral moment, sharing an M-Pesa receipt of KSh 90,000 sent to her boyfriend, had already made her a polarising figure, noting mixed reactions from fans.
The Dyana Cods apology 2025 has now taken centre stage, netizens debating whether her retraction was genuine or a response to career-threatening backlash. Some fans praised her for “owning up,” while others questioned her silence on the anti-government chants, suggesting lingering ambiguity about her stance.
The AP News report highlighted Ruto’s apologies for police brutality and government opulence, yet his administration’s actions, including the arrest of activists like Boniface Mwangi, continue to fuel unrest.