Media personality Muthoni wa Kirumba, popularly known as Baby Top, made headlines during her appearance at the Ngemi Festival in Germany, an event already marked by controversy. Serving as the MC, Baby Top shared the stage with her partner, Mugithi singer Waithaka wa Jane, and DJ Dibul, keeping audiences engaged throughout the festival.
Pre-Festival Drama
The festival faced several challenges even before it began. Waithaka was detained by German airport authorities for over five hours amid allegations of drug possession. Rumors of visa issues and a potential festival cancellation created uncertainty for both performers and attendees. Baby Top supported her partner throughout the ordeal, ensuring he was cleared to perform.
Stage Presence and Audience Interaction
On the day of the festival, Baby Top maintained high energy as she introduced performers and interacted with the crowd. She inquired about attendees’ recent travels to Kenya and shared greetings from home. During the festival, the audience erupted into chants of “Wantam, Wantam, Wantam”, a slogan linked to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and interpreted as a critique of President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election prospects.
Baby Top, who has previously aligned with Gachagua’s political camp, appeared amused by the fervent chants, jokingly asking why they persisted. The audience’s enthusiasm continued unabated, making the moment one of the festival’s highlights.
Social Media Reactions
Fans on social media expressed both surprise and amusement that the “Wantam” movement had reached international audiences. Many praised Baby Top for her energy and charm, commending her ability to keep the crowd entertained while navigating politically charged content. The festival episode has drawn comparisons to past events, such as when musician Samidoh led anti-government chants during his homecoming ceremony, reflecting a trend of Kenyan entertainers blending music, culture, and political expression.
Highlighting Influence and Leadership
Baby Top’s role at the Ngemi Festival demonstrated her ability to command the stage and connect with audiences, even amid controversy. Her support for Waithaka during pre-festival drama, coupled with her engagement with the “Wantam” chants, reinforced her influence as a media personality and her growing prominence in Kenyan entertainment and political discourse abroad.
