Tanzanian gospel singer Christina Shusho kneels as she presents a gift to Mama Ida Odinga during an event, in a video shared on social media/ SCREENGRABTanzanian gospel singer Christina Shusho has drawn mixed reactions online after sharing a video showing her presenting a gift to Mama Ida Odinga.
In the video, Shusho walks towards Mama Ida, who is standing at the venue, before kneeling down and handing over a wrapped package containing what appears to be a piece of colourful kitenge fabric.
Mama Ida leans forward to receive the gift as Shusho remains on her knees during the exchange.
Shusho further captioned the video, “Safari bado inaendelea..One step at a time. Thank you Mama @mamaidaodinga.”
The gesture drew mixed reactions from social media users, with some defending Shusho's decision to kneel as a sign of respect while others questioned the act on religious grounds.
Some users praised the singer for the gesture and the warmth of the exchange. One commenter, @mamamkwe_collection, wrote: “Thank you for putting a smile on Mama's face.”
Another said: “One thing I've learnt, give honour and when it's your time you will be honoured.”
Others defended the gesture as a cultural practice rather than an act of worship. One user noted: “Uganda women it's normal... she's just showing respect.”
Some users also dismissed the criticism directed at Shusho, with one writing: “You all soo bitter in the comment section, what's wrong with her kneeling??”
However, other users questioned why Shusho knelt before Mama Ida, particularly because she is a gospel singer.
“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to anyone except the Lord your God. Thank you,” @mamamkwe_collection wrote in another comment.
Another user said: “We only kneel before GOD, not humans.”
“Why are you kneeling for her...,” another commenter asked, while another wrote: “You don’t bow down to any man, only God the creator and giver of life and our saviour Jesus Christ.”
Some users also questioned whether the gesture represented submission, with one commenter writing: “She didn't bother to lift her up, meaning she enjoys the submission and the glory.”
At the same time, other users focused less on the controversy and more on the relationship between the two women, with one commenter writing: “Wow salimia mama Idda Odinga…Gosh I love that woman.”
The different reactions have also revived discussion around the cultural meaning of kneeling or lowering oneself before an elder or respected person in parts of East Africa.
In some communities, particularly in Uganda, women kneeling while greeting or presenting something to an older person can be understood as a traditional gesture of respect.
The practice is not necessarily intended as an act of worship, although its meaning can vary depending on the community, setting and individuals involved.
Shusho has previously had public associations with Mama Ida and the wider Odinga family.
The Tanzanian singer was among musicians who paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga following his death in 2025.
