Ruto: We will not succumb to the ‘Wantam’ pressure
By Faith Lagat, August 9, 2025President William Ruto has dismissed the opposition’s ‘Wantam’ campaign slogan, vowing that his administration will not bow to what he described as political blackmail.
Speaking on August 9, 2025, while hosting the Nairobi County empowerment programme at State House Nairobi, the Head of State declared, “We will not succumb to the blackmails of Wantam; we are committed to the transformation of our country.”
The remarks come amid sustained criticism from former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando, who has accused Ruto’s administration of running a ‘kakistocracy’ and pledged to intensify calls for accountability.
Transformation agenda
Ruto defended his leadership record, outlining key reforms aimed at addressing national challenges. He cited agricultural transformation to eliminate hunger, education sector reforms to ensure no child is left behind, and inclusive economic policies to unite Kenyans.
“We are transforming our healthcare so that even ordinary citizens can access services through the Social Health Authority,” he said, underscoring his government’s focus on universal health coverage.
He also took aim at the opposition’s credibility, questioning whether the “Wantam” movement had a clear agenda. “Hawa majamaa wa Wantam wako na maono kweli? Wako na akili kweli? Hawana mpango, sera,” he said, reiterating that “the future of our nation is unity.”
Opposition pushback and ‘Wantam’ momentum
Kabando, in an August 8 statement on X, hit back at the President’s remarks, stating, “Joining Ruto’s UDA kakistocracy is your democratic choice. It’s also our constitutional choice to oversee, critique, and even oppose Ruto’s kleptocracy. Don’t be bitter with our WANTAM chants and #RutoMustGo crusade. You chose your side. We love the lane we trek!”
The former lawmaker has linked growing repression to incidents such as the disappearance of activist Mwabili Mwagodi, who was reportedly abandoned in Kwale County after criticising Ruto’s church fundraising activities. Such cases have fuelled public anger and energised the “Wantam” movement.
The economic context has added to the discontent, with inflation hitting 5.6 per cent in July 2025. Youth-led protests, echoing the “Wantam” slogan, have gained traction since the 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations. Kabando has also dismissed anti-corruption efforts, such as the EACC’s 2024 survey, as “wasteful PR ruses”, calling for concrete results.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has amplified the “Wantam” message, famously inscribing it at Meta headquarters in Silicon Valley on August 9, 2025, during a trip to push his tech revival agenda for 2027. His move is widely seen as a symbolic rejection of Ruto’s bid for a second term.
In response, the government has embraced the ‘Tutam’ counter-slogan, signalling its intention to serve a full decade. As both sides entrench their positions, Ruto insists his administration will remain focused on transformation, even as the “Wantam” pressure shows no sign of fading.