Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday, May 30, 2026, sparked political buzz online after sharing a video of himself working out at the gym, where he mixed fitness routines with political messaging in a light-hearted but symbolic response to body-shaming remarks by President William Ruto targeting opposition leaders.

The video shared via his official X account shows Kalonzo lifting weights, performing squats, and doing push-ups before pausing mid-session to lead gym attendants and accompanying officials in chants of “wantam,” a slogan that has increasingly featured in opposition political messaging targeting Ruto as they seek to make him a one-term president.

What appeared to be a routine fitness session quickly turned into a politically charged moment as the Wiper leader energised those present, transforming the gym environment into a spontaneous campaign-style gathering.

Supporters in the video can be heard joining in the chants, amplifying the moment into a symbolic display of political camaraderie and mobilisation.

Ruto’s earlier remarks on opposition fitness

The viral gym moment comes just weeks after President Ruto made remarks referencing opposition leaders’ physical fitness during a public address in Cheptais, Mt Elgon, Bungoma County, on March 17, 2026.

During the tour, Ruto encouraged opposition leaders to adopt healthier lifestyles, suggesting that their physical condition could be affecting their alertness during official engagements.

“Kwanza nawaambia baadhi yenu mwende gym; acheni kula chakula kingi. Matumbo yamejaa hadi vichwa vinakaribia kupasuka. Mnalala kwenye mikutano hata mchana,” Ruto said.

The remarks triggered mixed reactions at the time, with opposition figures accusing the Head of State of engaging in personal attacks rather than focusing on governance issues.

Matiang’i’s response

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, who was Ruto’s main target in the body-shaming remarks, hit back almost immediately, urging the first in command to focus.

Speaking in Narok on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, during the opening of a Jubilee Party office, Matiang’i urged Ruto not to reduce the presidency to debates about food and fitness.

Matiang’i noted that although he respects the presidency, he was perturbed by the Head of State’s remarks against the leaders of the opposition, questioning why Ruto could be concerned about what they eat.

“Rais wetu mimi namheshimu, na naheshimu ofisi yake. Ndio maana mimi sijaongea mambo yake mbeleni. Lakini leo ameanza sasa kukutusi sisi, watu wote wa opposition,” he said.

The former interior cabinet secretary emphasised that the country, six decades after independence, deserves leadership that focuses on pressing national issues rather than personal attacks over diet and body shape.

“Yaani, nchi yetu leo, six decades after independence, ati at a presidential campaign level, tuanze kuongea mambo ya kukula. Ati nani anakula zaidi, nani anakula wapi. I am doing this with a lot of pain.

He further defended his own dietary habits, joking about his visits to Kisii for local food, and questioned why Ruto seemed bothered by what he eats.

“First of all, mimi sijui kwanini unasumbuka vile mimi nakula, kwa sababu mimi sikuli kwa bibi yako. Hujaniona nikienda kutafuta chakula kwa bibi yako ama kwa watu wako. Mimi nakula ndizi kule Kisii kwetu na ugali. Sasa kama hiyo ndio inakusumbua, mbona mimi sijakuja kukuuliza vile wewe umekonda?” Matiang’i quipped.