Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, August 9, inscribed the phrase ‘Wantam’ at Meta headquarters during his visit to Silicon Valley.

‘Wantam’, meaning “one term”, is a popular slogan used by the opposition to signal that the current regime will not be re-elected in 2027.

The phrase has become closely associated with the former deputy president, with his supporters often prompting him to lead them in chanting it during his public speeches.

In response, the government has coined a counter-slogan, Tutam, to oppose the Wantam narrative.

Tutam declares the administration’s intention to seek a second term, also referred to as Kumi Bila Break, meaning the government aims to serve a full 10 years, as other presidents have done, and as permitted by the constitution.

The wall where Gachagua left the Wantam mark is already covered with numerous inscriptions and signatures left by other visitors who have been to the area before.

By adding his own mark, the former deputy president joined the long list of guests who have made a point of leaving a visible reminder of their presence at the Meta offices.

The writings serve not only as a record of those who have toured the premises but also as a symbolic gesture, a way of declaring, for posterity, that they once stood there.

Statement after visit

After visiting the tech hub, the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has unveiled plans to spearhead a technological revival in Kenya by tapping into the country’s growing pool of tech talent to rejuvenate the Ministry of ICT ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement, Gachagua highlighted the innovative environment of global tech giants and the strong presence of Kenyan professionals making significant contributions to the sector.

“I must say I have a pretty good idea where to look for a skills mix, and our Kenyan Gen Zs, who are brilliant and tech-savvy, when recruiting personnel to help us reboot the Ministry of ICT back home in the 6th Administration come 2027,” read part of his post.

He also appreciated Mark Zuckerberg for setting up the tech monster, something that he found out during his late teenhood, with it now being valued in billions of dollars.

He was also delighted to meet young Kenyans working at Meta, with them holding senior positions in the tech scene.