Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has described the “Wantam” chant as a symbol of national unity, likening it to Kenya’s “second national anthem.”

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pan-African Institute at Lukenya University on November 9, 2025, Musyoka rallied supporters, saying, “Chanting wantam. Say Wantam. Mr. President, that is the clarion call in our country. This has become a second national anthem.”

The slogan has grown amid rising discontent with President William Ruto’s administration, particularly the “Wantam” movement that calls for Ruto to serve only a single term in 2027.

Originating from mid-2025 protests over economic policies, including the housing levy and healthcare funding shortages, the phrase has become a viral rallying cry for opposition, registering over 10,000 mentions on X in recent weeks.

Youth-led protests as Pan-African expression

Musyoka framed ongoing Gen-Z-led protests across Africa as a continuation of Pan-African ideals. “There is a wind of change sweeping across our continent. This wind is the latest expression of Pan-Africanism. The wave of Gen-Z-led protests across Africa against bad governance, corruption, impunity, lack of transparency, electoral fraud, and rising living costs is a powerful testament to a new generation rising. These peaceful demonstrations are not acts of recklessness; they are acts of hope and determination,” he said.

He emphasised that the movement is deliberate, adding, “This surge of youth-led Pan-Africanism is not accidental. Nineteen coups in just four years, coupled with the persistence of #WANTAM presidencies, are warnings we cannot ignore. The people of Africa are awake, and the spirit of Pan-Africanism is alive, resilient, and unstoppable.”

‘Wantam’ as democratic expression

Musyoka defended the chant as a democratic message rather than a personal attack on the president. “When we say one term, Ruto should not be offended. Just the other day, the people of Malawi voted our Lazarus Chakwera. It is now like a tradition in Africa for failed leaders to be sent home. If leaders fail, the citizens have respectfully and democratically told him to go home by voting him out,” he noted.

Citing regional precedents, Musyoka added, “Both in Botswana and Malawi, we have seen leaders serve for one term, and the leaders have been voted out. Therefore, we have no ill motives for our country when we say one term.”

He further called for unity in removing the current government, highlighting concerns over the economy, healthcare, corruption, and privatisation policies.