‘On such a day, Mama Kibet did her thing and I was born, I give thanks to God.”
These are the simple and poetic expressions of Mufasa Kibet, a Kenyan literary voice who has exposed his everyday experiences as a lens for truth, justice and love. He’s not just a poet he’s a movement.
EARLY LIFE
Nationally he is Kenyan and he is a proud Kalenjin by tribe and was born on 7th July in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County and grew up partly in Kapsabet, Nandi County. His real name is Ken Kibet better known as Mufasa. His poetic career did not start with stages or microphones, but rather with the quiet rhythm of rural Kenya.
Mufasa was the third child in a family of four, and was a lover of books, and had a spark for the stage. He was a student of Terige High School, where a classmate named him Mufasa, a nickname that he was to carry across the country.
Mufasa Kibet is a celebrated performance poet, actor, author and workshop facilitator, whose narratives using spoken word can humanise situations and make them reflective. His art is based on the life on the streets, the people, and the untold stories that don’t make the news in Africa.
His subjects include family, spirituality, love, loss, women’s rights and social justice. Going through each verse Mufasa gives life to the forgotten, and reminds viewers that it is not just for applause, but for awakening.
PUBLICATIONS & PROJECTS
His first poetry volume, Raising a Sun, was published at the Goethe Institut in Nairobi and documents his personal experiences, tales of suffering and thoughts about society. The book is a memoir and a mirror with instructions to read both inwards and outwards at the same time.
Mufasa is not just a writing project; it’s a curation project on concept events that spark public discussion. He also serves as a Judge and Facilitator on the Spoken Word Festival in Africa, Poetry Slam Africa, where he contributes to the development of the next generation of African Spoken Word Artists.
ADVOCACY & IMPACT
Mufasa’s passion for human dignity and human justice makes his performances ideal platforms for him to spread awareness regarding issues he is passionate about, which include poverty, inequality, identity and climate. His message is always the same: to touch the conscience and to stir to action, whether in the intimate setting or in the great auditorium.
He believes art should reflect the times and his poems do just that. They challenge. They comfort. They call you up.They call you to rise.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
In spite of his developing reputation, Mufasa is still down-to-earth. He regularly discusses celebrating his mother, his proud childhood and the importance of using a voice to create better communities.
In the credits, actor Maisha magic plus is credited with Tete.
Mufasa ventured into television in 2025 with an interesting role as Tete in the Swahili drama Lulu on Maisha Magic Plus from 8 pm. He demonstrates his versatility not only as a spoken word artist but as a talented actor too.
