Kenya: 'Wantam!', 'Tutam!' Political Sloganeering Divides Kenya's Electorate

What the report says

Kenya’s political debate is being shaped by competing slogans ahead of the 2027 presidential race, with critics of President William Ruto rallying around “Wantam!” to press for a single term and his supporters promoting “Tutam!” as a call for two terms. In an analysis published by the Institute for Security Studies and distributed by AllAfrica, the two camps are described as reflecting both public frustration and the president’s remaining political strength.

The piece says youth anger over the government’s record, including concerns about taxation, corruption, rights abuses and police violence, has helped the one-term message gain traction. It also notes that opposition politics have been weakened by internal splits, especially after the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga and tensions within the former opposition bloc. The analysis says these divisions could improve Ruto’s chances if the opposition cannot unite behind one major candidate before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s mid-October deadline for party submissions.

At the same time, Ruto’s allies argue that his administration has delivered development projects, broader inclusion and better public services. The article points to infrastructure, housing, road and water projects, as well as the participation of opposition-linked figures in government, as evidence used by his backers to defend a second term bid. It also cites recent polling showing Ruto ahead of key rivals, while warning that turnout, youth registration and opposition unity will be decisive. The analysis concludes that rising political intolerance and gang-backed intimidation could further complicate Kenya’s democratic contest.