Sheng slogans that dominated 2019; Here are some of the words & their meaning

Means crew or group. The slang word also gave birth to the very popular phrase ‘Mbogi ya Kimonyoski’. It was made popular by Kayole-based comedian Kartelo Mgaza Mpole.

‘Mbogi ya Kimonyoski’ means a group of people who like partying and having fun. Predictably, the phrase has now been made into a song.

2. Kwa ground vitu ni different

This phrase is used to indicate that although people will paint a certain image online it may not be exactly how things are in real life. Young people in Kenya will use the phrase when something is exposed.

A good example is when politicians get support online but on the ballot, the masses pick a totally different candidate.

3. Inauma lakini itabidi uzoee

This phrase was made into a meme on social media after artist Stivo Simple Boy used it to describe a hardship.

It's the same as the British stiff upper lip culture where you are not supposed to show emotions when you're hurt.

"Inauma lakini itabisi uzoee is telling people to get used to hardships and display fortitude and stoicism in the face of adversity.

4. Bedroom iko locked

Bedroom politics crept into the hotly contested Kibra by-election. This was after DP William Ruto accused his rival Raila Odinga of asking for help from various leaders to secure the constituency.

After ODM won the by-election, leaders from the party taunted their rivals with the phrase 'bedroom iko locked' meaning they couldn't clinch the seat from Kibra which is considered Mr Odinga's backyard.

Netizens now use the phrase when they make major wins.

5. Twa Twa/Peke jeng

Tua tua was created by Pastor Susan Munene of Overcomers Hope Ministry Kasarani, Nairobi.

A video of the pastor preaching about sex in marriage went viral after she used 'Tua tua' to describe sex.

Pastor Munene was encouraging married couples to enjoy their conjugal rights anywhere.

According to the Sheng Kamusi or dictionary, the word means dance style. However, young people on social media who are the users and inventors of sheng claim that the word means having sex.

Music group Sailors popularized the slang word with their hit song 'Pkejeng'.

6. Wamlambez Wamnyonyez

These two slang words are commonly used by young people in Kenya. Wamnyonez means sucking while wamlambez means licking. They are used when referring to oral sex.

Sailors popularised the phrase from Nairobi Eastlands after releasing another hit song dubbed 'Wamlambez Wamnyonyez'.

7. Rieng

Rieng means to be alert. Another meaning for the word is to get drunk and sleep.