- He fled to Tanzania after receiving death threats from unknown people
- Atommy Sifa has in the past sang songs praising presidential aspirant Raila Odinga
When Luo Benga musician Atommy Sifa (Tom Mboya Anganga) praised President Uhuru Kenyatta in a song alongside Tede ja Kenya, little did he know that it would force him into exile.
Atommy Sifa told The Nairobian that he fled to Tanzania after receiving death threats from unknown people.
“They called me, threatening to kill me for insulting Raila Odinga in the music,” he said.
The song, Uhuru Nyale (Uhuru is will beat him) blames Opposition leader Raila Odinga for ills bedevilling the Luos. The musician goes ahead to advise the Luos to stop following Raila and instead support Uhuru’s re-election as Raila did not initiate meaningful development when he was Prime Minister.
In one of the stanza, he sings, “Joluo ugaloru mojoga ubiro luwo ng’ani nyaka kar ang’o? (Luos, you shouldn’t be wasted. Until when will you follow this person?)”
Atommy was trolled on social media by Raila’s supporters.
He told The Nairobian that he did not compose the song and was only invited due to his popularity when Tede was producing the video for the song.
“I didn’t know what the song was all about. I was invited to be part of the video but later realised it was disparaging Raila,” said Atommy, adding that, “I have composed more than four songs for Mr Odinga and I cannot compose a song calling him names.”
His fellow musicians and Nasa supporters have accused him of being used by Jubilee.
Small Otieno, a fellow Benga artiste distanced himself from Atommy’s song, arguing his songs are shameful especially when “the region’s political kingpin is seeking the highest office in the land.”
Atommy’s home in Adiedo Karachuonyo in Homa Bay County is deserted after he fled following threats from villagers.
Jael Achieng’, Atommy’s relative is not happy with the death threats.
“He has been praising Raila in his songs for years. What is wrong when he praises President Uhuru?” he posed.
Their song chides Onyi Jalamo whose famous Nasa Tibim! song has not brought him any windfall.
But Atommy is not new to controversy. A few years ago, his songs were banned due to their sexual lyrics and raunchy videos.
Homa Bay County Jubilee Party gubernatorial aspirant Tom Alila called on the police to ensure that Atommy is safe.
“We cannot stand those violating other people’s right of expression and in any case, why couldn’t the many songs he sang for Mr Odinga uplift him economically?” posed Alila.
