In the three years since President William Ruto took office, Kenyans have proven to be endlessly creative when it comes to crafting nicknames for their head of state. These nicknames — often humorous, ironic, and sometimes critical — reflect how closely Kenyans follow the actions and personality of their president. Despite their often taunting undertones, Ruto has shown a calm and clever approach, choosing to embrace the names rather than reject them.
The evolution of these monikers reveals a blend of satire, politics, and pop culture, all wrapped in Kenyan humor. Here’s a look at how Ruto’s nicknames have developed over time and what inspired each one.
1. Zakayo
In 2023, amid growing frustrations over the rising cost of living, Ruto was dubbed “Zakayo” by Kenyans. The name is a reference to the Biblical character Zacchaeus, the tax collector, known for climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus. With the government rolling out a wave of tax increases, citizens likened Ruto to Zacchaeus, calling on him to “shuka” — come down — as a symbolic plea to ease the financial burden on the common mwananchi. The name quickly gained traction during street protests and online banter.
2. El Chapo
In early 2025, during a visit to Nairobi, Ruto mentioned that the government would support the acquisition of a machine capable of making one million chapatis per day as part of the “Dishi Na County” school feeding initiative. The statement, though well-intentioned, sparked a wave of memes and jokes online. Kenyans cheekily christened him “El Chapo,” a play on the notorious Mexican drug lord’s name — only this time, linked to chapati rather than crime. The nickname turned comical and stuck, with images and videos flooding social media, often showing exaggerated scenarios of Nairobi being overtaken by chapatis.
3. Kasongo
By 2024, another nickname emerged: “Kasongo.” This name came from a viral TikTok trend inspired by a Congolese song about abandonment and heartbreak. A humorous rendition of the song resonated with many, especially during times when citizens felt let down by government promises. The term “Kasongo” became a metaphor for feelings of betrayal, and it soon found its way to the president, again showing how pop culture and politics intersect in Kenya.
4. Kaunda Uongoman
Among the more satirical nicknames is “Kaunda Uongoman.” The first part references Ruto’s preference for the Kaunda suit, a tailored safari-style outfit named after former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda. The second part, “Uongoman,” is derived from the Kiswahili word “uongo” (lies), implying a perception among some Kenyans that Ruto’s promises are often unfulfilled. The nickname thus cleverly combines fashion with political skepticism.
5. Nabii
Given Ruto’s well-known Christian faith and habit of quoting Scripture in speeches, he has also been called “Nabii,” which means prophet in Kiswahili. Regular church attendance and religious references have painted an image of a deeply spiritual leader, and Kenyans, in their typical fashion, gave him a name to match. This moniker leans less toward mockery and more toward his public identity and personal beliefs.
6. Wantam
The most recent addition to the growing list is “Wantam,” a nickname driven by political opposition and growing calls for Ruto to serve only one term in office. The term is a slang blend meaning “one term,” and it reflects a segment of the public’s desire for change in leadership. Though still relatively new, “Wantam” has started gaining popularity, particularly among those critical of his administration.
Over time, Ruto has commented humorously on the constant stream of nicknames, asking during a rally when Kenyans might finally stop inventing new ones. He referenced his journey from “hustler” to “survivor,” “Zakayo,” and “Kasongo,” acknowledging the creativity behind the names while gently poking fun at the trend. Though initially appearing bothered, he has largely accepted the names with a mix of humor and political savvy, knowing that in Kenya, a nickname is often a sign that the public is paying attention.
