A fresh political buzzword is lighting up Kenyan social media and it all began on the tarmac of Kwale County. The term “Cuzo,” a street-smart spin on the word “cousin,” is now the latest viral sensation after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dropped it during a spirited campaign stop.
While addressing an enthusiastic crowd in Kasemeni, Gachagua repeatedly asked, “Makuzo mko hamko? Makuzo mko hamko?” roughly translating to, “Cousins, are you here or not?” The moment quickly turned into internet gold. In his rallying speech, Gachagua described a new political alliance comprising Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa as a “family reunion,” sparking a wave of memes, jokes, and hashtags online.
Kenyans, ever quick to turn political catchphrases into pop culture, instantly latched onto “Cuzo.” On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, users are now signing off videos with “Hi cousins,” captioning group photos with “Hi Cuzo,” and humorously referring to political alliances and friendships as cousinships.
“It’s classic Kenyan humour,” said X user Brian Osoro. “When a politician uses relatable language, especially something as casual as ‘cousin,’ it sticks.”
Indeed, Gachagua’s exact words “Hi cousins, Hi cousins, Hi macuzo… the journey of cousins, the family of people who are like-minded, who were born together and have the same tradition…” have turned into meme-worthy gold, symbolizing unity with a humorous twist.
The trend is more than a joke; it taps into Kenyans’ love for satire and social commentary. “Cuzo” has become a playful yet pointed way to discuss political alliances, friendships, and even romance.
This isn’t the first time roadside rhetoric has bled into daily slang. Kenya’s political scene has long doubled as a breeding ground for pop culture. Whether used sincerely or sarcastically, “Cuzo” has quickly carved its place in the country’s 2025 political and cultural dictionary.
As election season heats up, one thing’s clear: Kenyans will be watching, listening—and meme-ing.
