Anti-government ‘Wantam’ slogans rent the air as soon as South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro took the stage at the Mkisii ni Mkisii Festival.

The festival, held at Carnivore Grounds on Saturday, August 13, 2025, brought together Abagusii natives to celebrate their heritage.

Silvanus Osoro was among several politicians allied to the government who attended the event.

Other notable figures included former nominated senator Millicent Omanga and nominated senator Esther Okenyuri, among others.

After the heckles intensified, the MC ordered the politicians to take back their seats as the crowd became increasingly unsettled.

This is not the first time the region has expressed its fury over the current regime.

Watch: Gachagua explains how Ruto is fueling ‘Wantam’ movement unknowingly

Months earlier, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was heckled at Gusii Stadium after landing to attend a match, leading to destruction and chaos on the playground.

Cracks ahead of 2027

The region now appears deeply divided as it heads toward 2027, with one faction leaning toward the opposition and another aligned with the government.

This was evident in their embrace of the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, who is eyeing the presidency in 2027 and has become a key figure in the united opposition.

Upon his return from the United States, he made several tours around Kisii County, drawing mammoth crowds at his rallies.

These cracks were also recently highlighted when Kitutu South MP Antony Kibagendi and his northern counterpart Japheth Nyakundi exchanged blows during the burial of the stepmother of former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.

Kibagendi had angered Nyakundi, who also serves as UDA’s national treasurer, by saying that President Ruto is a ‘Wantam’ president.

The remark did not sit well with Nyakundi, sparking a standoff at the funeral.

A similar incident occurred in 2021 during the burial of Simeon Nyachae, when Silvanus Osoro could not stomach then-Dagoretti North MP and now Kisii Governor Simba Arati insulting William Ruto and his party boss.

Osoro confronted Arati, leading to an altercation at the funeral.