Ruto Dismisses ‘Wantam’ Chants, Says Critics Have a Right to Speak in Democracy

Ruto Dismisses ‘Wantam’ Chants, Says Critics Have a Right to Speak in Democracy

President William Ruto has downplayed growing political criticism and the increasingly popular “Wantam” chants directed at his administration, insisting that such expressions are part of a healthy democratic society and do not distract him from delivering on his government’s development agenda.

Speaking during a media roundtable at the Wajir State Lodge on Monday, June 1, the Head of State said he remains focused on implementing projects across the country despite mounting criticism from opposition leaders and sections of the public ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruto’s remarks came in response to sustained attacks from opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently questioned the decision to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County.

Gachagua had argued that residents of the region had little to celebrate, citing challenges such as inadequate road infrastructure, water shortages, unreliable electricity supply, and the absence of a modern sewerage system.

The former deputy president suggested that the national celebrations highlighted long-standing development gaps rather than achievements.

However, President Ruto strongly defended his administration’s decision, saying northern Kenya had historically been neglected and that his government was now investing heavily in transforming the region.

According to the President, critics who are now questioning development efforts had previously occupied positions of influence but failed to address the challenges facing marginalized areas.

“Those who are complaining about us holding Madaraka here have done absolutely nothing in that part of the world. It is my administration that is changing northern Kenya practically with roads, electricity, water, housing, and markets,” Ruto stated.

He went on to accuse some of his political opponents of lacking a clear development agenda and relying solely on criticism as a political strategy.

<u>“It just confirms to you that those people have no vision, agenda, or plans. They have nothing to offer except criticism for the sake of it. They will blame everybody except their own ignorance and incompetence. When they had an opportunity to lead, they did nothing,”</u> the President added.

The comments come at a time when political temperatures are gradually rising across the country, with various opposition leaders intensifying campaigns against the Kenya Kwanza administration while positioning themselves ahead of the next election cycle.

One of the most visible expressions of dissatisfaction has been the emergence of “Wantam” chants at political rallies and across social media platforms. The slogan, which translates to “one term,” has become a rallying call among some government critics who argue that President Ruto should serve only a single term in office.

Despite the growing popularity of the chants, the President appeared unfazed, describing them as a reflection of Kenya’s democratic freedoms.

<u>“Must go, must come, must do whatever… that is the beauty of democracy. You can say whatever you want. You can chant whatever you want, Wantam, Kasongo… but they do not bother me one bit,”</u> Ruto said.

The Head of State emphasized that political slogans alone cannot transform a nation and urged leaders to focus on presenting practical solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans.

He argued that meaningful competition in a democracy should be based on ideas, policy proposals, and development records rather than political rhetoric.

According to Ruto, voters will ultimately evaluate leaders based on their achievements, vision, and plans for the country’s future when they head to the ballot in 2027.

The President expressed confidence that his administration’s record in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, affordable housing, infrastructure, and job creation would speak for itself.

He further maintained that his government remains committed to implementing development projects across all regions of the country regardless of political affiliations.

As political activity begins to intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle, Ruto’s remarks signal a strategy centered on showcasing government performance while dismissing political slogans as insufficient substitutes for policy-driven leadership.

For now, the President says his focus remains firmly on delivering his administration’s promises, even as critics continue to amplify their calls for change and challenge his leadership across the country.

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Ruto Dismisses ‘Wantam’ Chants, Says Critics Have a Right to Speak in Democracy