William Ruto's Photographer Pours Cold Water on Wantam Popularity, Kenyans React
- President William Ruto’s photographer, Naitwa Mwangi, downplayed the popularity of the term wantam
- The slang, popularised by impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to oppose Ruto's re-election, spread across the country
- Mwangi’s remarks sparked heated online debate, with many insisting that wantam has nationwide traction
President William Ruto’s photographer, who goes by Naitwa Mwangi on social media, has sparked a raging debate about the word "wantam."
Source: Facebook
Is wantam popular in Kenya?
The term was first publicly used by impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, and it is a corruption of the phrase "one term."
Gachagua used the term to declare that President William Ruto would not have a second term in office, as they would oust him in the 2027 election.
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The term has since become widely used in Kenya, crossing political lines and extending into entertainment and everyday conversations.
A clear example of its potency was when singing policeman Samidoh Muchoki faced disciplinary action for leading revellers in chanting "wantam."
He was transferred from Nairobi to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Gilgil before being accused of abandoning his duties, which is punishable with a jail term.
On Friday, June 13, Mwangi poured cold water on the popularity of "wantam."
In a Facebook post, he claimed that the word was only popular in one region and urged Kenyans to do their research.
“By the way, guys, your 'wantam' song is only popular in parts of Mount Kenya and on social media. Check the ground reality,” he wrote.
Mwangi’s comments elicited mixed reactions from social media users, with many disagreeing with him:
Sammy Mk:
“Maintain table manners.”
Maina Ndegwa:
“Is that how you are lying to Uliam?”
Alex Mwax:
“Stop calling us guys, we are cousins.”
Kemboi G. Kimaru:
“I'm a Rift Valley guy, and I can assure you, on the ground, we're singing 'one term.'”
Davie Kipchirchir Kimaiyo:
“'Wantam' is very grounded, in fact, my grandfather is a choir member of 'Wantam Worship.'”
Alfred Kurgat:
“Tell them the ground is different.”
Sylvia Wanjiku:
“In your dreams.”
Edwin Wa Mainnah:
“We are the ground. What is your point?”
MC Paul Sigisia:
“I visited Uasin Gishu County today, and 'wantam' is real.”
Kinyua Kariuki:
“No one will re-elect that guy, what is his name again?”
Will Samidoh join politics?
Source: Instagram
Amid his problems with the National Police Service, Samidoh Muchoki has been hinting at contesting the Ol Joro Orok parliamentary seat in 2027.
Over the years, Samidoh has been building rapport with Nyandarua residents by offering support to those in need.
In 2023, he and his wife, Edday Nderitu, distributed food to locals affected by hippo invasions. The couple interacted warmly with residents, delivering sacks of food brought in by a lorry.
Currently in the US, Samidoh has been dropping hints about his political ambitions. On June 8, he shared a photo with his son, joking about being called a "red flag," but his hashtag #oljoro_orok001 caught attention.
However, he clearest sign yet was meeting with opposition politician, Fred Matiang’i.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
