What Is Giniwasekao? Meaning of the Gor Mahia Chant
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If you have ever been near Gor Mahia fans on match day, you have probably heard the chant “Giniwasekao!” So what does it mean? Here is a quick explainer, plus the many cheeky variations K’Ogalo fans have come up with.
What Giniwasekao Means
Giniwasekao (also written Gini wasekao) is a catchphrase popularised by fans of Gor Mahia Football Club in 2013. It joins two Dholuo (Luo) words, gini (“this thing”) and wasekao (“we have taken”). Put together, it means “We have taken this thing.”
When fans started using it in 2013, “this thing” was the Kenyan Premier League trophy. Gor Mahia had not won the league for 18 years (their previous title was in 1995), and fans were confidently declaring that the cup was already theirs. They were right: Gor Mahia won the 2013 title.
The phrase stuck. Gor Mahia went on to become Kenya’s most successful club. In May 2026 they were crowned champions of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League, a record 22nd league title, and “Giniwasekao” is still a favourite chant whenever a trophy is in sight.
Other Variations of Giniwasekao
- Gini marwa: this thing is ours (short for gini en marwa).
- Gini wasekano: we have taken and kept this thing.
- Gini ne wakao chon: we took this thing a long time ago.
- Gini wasebano: we have folded this thing away.
- Gini waseringo go: we have run away with this thing.
- Gini wan go: we have got this thing with us.
- Gini wabiroga kao: we will be taking this thing.
- Gini ok mawa: this thing will not be taken from us.
- Gigi wasekao: we have taken these things (plural).
- Gini wasedieng’o: we have hit this thing, meaning you are absolutely certain you have taken it.
- Gini wasemonjo: we have invaded this thing.
- Gini usekao: you have taken this thing.
- Gini okginyalkao: they cannot take this thing.
- Gini wanyalo!: yes, we can!
- Gini waseting’o: we have carried this thing.
- Gini wasepando: we have hidden this thing.
Today Kenyans use “giniwasekao” well beyond football, to celebrate any win: passing an exam, landing a job, or a political victory.
Curious about other Kenyan slang? Read What is Bonoko? and What is Mpanasuu?
