Sudi dismisses opposition’s ‘Wantam’ agenda as empty rhetoric
By Faith Lagat, September 11, 2025Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi has dismissed the opposition’s ‘Wantam’ campaign agenda as baseless rhetoric lacking in vision.
In a post shared on September 11, 2025, the outspoken lawmaker criticised the one-term narrative being pushed against President William Ruto, arguing it carries no substance and risks misleading the public.
“Keep saying one term without an agenda, and you’ll end up with nothing meaningful,” Sudi wrote on X, emphasising that leadership should be judged on development rather than slogans.
Ruto’s response
The ‘Wantam’ slogan has gained traction in recent weeks, particularly among sections of the youth, echoing similar protest-driven movements in countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. Critics argue the chant is symbolic of frustrations with governance, while supporters of the administration view it as a distraction from ongoing development projects.
President Ruto himself weighed in during a function in Nandi County on August 30, 2025, mocking the slogan by comparing it to past opposition chants like ‘Tibim’ and ‘Tialala,’ which he said failed to yield tangible results.
“Si tulikuwa na ingine ya Tibim, Tialala, tuko sasa na Wantam Kasongo,” Ruto quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Defending the administration
Sudi, a close ally of Ruto, doubled down on defending the President’s record. In a follow-up post, he criticised opposition leaders for focusing on slogans rather than proposing alternative policies.
“Wewe unazunguka saying ‘wantam’, you call others ‘wantam’, you say ‘Kasongo wantam’, ‘William Ruto wantam’… My friend, wewe ndio utakua wantam,” he wrote, stressing that it is citizens, not politicians, who will decide who holds office.
The MP’s remarks mirror sentiments shared by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who, during Ruto’s visit to Siaya on August 31, urged the Head of State to ignore political noise and stay focused on inclusive development.
“Those who read social media and sit in a corner to talk about one term: you will be shocked. The talk is an illusion. You’re going to get your second term,” Mbadi said.
A gesture of reconciliation
Sudi’s dismissal of the ‘wantam’ slogan came just a day after he reconciled with singer Millicent Jerotich, popularly known as Mali Safi Chito, who had previously criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration through her music. On September 10, he welcomed her back, describing the reunion as a gesture of forgiveness and inclusivity.
“As a father, I always welcome those who have wandered back home. This father’s house is big and spacious enough for all of us. Karibu nyumbani, Mali Safi Chito,” he said.
His call for accountability in Parliament on August 19, where he admitted corruption claims raised by both President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga had merit, further illustrated his dual role as both critic and defender.