Ruto Hits Out at Opponents Over ‘Wantam’ Slogans, Accuses Them of Promoting Division

President William Ruto has criticised his political opponents over what he described as a campaign driven by anger, hatred and ethnic division, accusing them of relying on slogans instead of offering ideas to transform Kenya.

Speaking amid growing political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election, Ruto said those seeking to challenge his leadership were misguided and were attempting to divide Kenyans along ethnic and regional lines.

“Those trying to compete with me are severely misguided, as they have unfortunately become merchants of anger, hate, division, and exclusion,” the president said.

Ruto argued that some of his opponents were categorising Kenyans according to their backgrounds and regions, creating distinctions between communities from different parts of the country.

He cited labels that portray some citizens as enemies while identifying others with particular regions, including the Rift Valley and the Coast.

“I want to tell everyone that tribalism, division, and the balkanization of our citizens have no place in our country, and no Kenyan should ever be given leadership based on division or ethnicity,” he said.

Ruto Questions Opposition’s Political Agenda

The president also took aim at opposition slogans, singling out the popular “Wantam” and “must go” chants.

According to Ruto, such slogans demonstrate a lack of substantive ideas on how to address the country’s challenges and drive national development.

“Our opponents only operate on slogans like Wantam and must go, revealing their lack of ideas to transform our country,” he said.

The remarks come as political leaders and their allies intensify their positioning ahead of the 2027 polls, with slogans and political alliances increasingly shaping public debate.