Editor’s note: In this opinion article, Kimutai Kirui argues that President Willion Ruto’s victory through the 2022 general election was the result of a competitive democratic process against powerful political forces, including a sitting president and a strong opposition coalition led by Raila Odinga. According to Kirui, that victory demonstrated the power of the electorate and the ability of a leader to rally people around a vision. He further says that there is a dire need for his supporters to avoid any signals that suggest the presidency is something to be clung to at all costs.
The “WANTAM” chorus is not an attack on President Ruto; it is a reaction to political choices associated with figures such as Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The biggest mistake for those close to power would be ignoring the electorate’s voice by imposing preferred candidates on voters in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, or elsewhere.
People want the freedom to choose their leaders—not choices handed down to them. Political expression and messaging by leaders around the president are the lifeblood of democracy.
Constitutions are designed to outlast individual leaders, ensuring that ultimate authority rests with citizens through free and fair elections. Political leaders should project confidence in the democratic process.
Creating the impression that an incumbent has already lost an election risks sending the wrong message and may weaken public confidence. Elections are won by persuading voters, not by creating fear or uncertainty.
The messaging that President Ruto must win with or without numbers is disturbing and paints the president and those around him in a bad light.
The “WANTAM” slogan, in itself, is not a criminal act or a treasonous offence. In a multi-party democracy, political slogans, competing views, criticism, and public debate are protected elements of citizen participation and freedom of expression.
“Tutam” is simply a competing political narrative
Democracy is not defined by the absence of disagreement; it is defined by the ability to debate, challenge, and advocate for different ideas peacefully and lawfully.
Political differences should be settled through dialogue, institutions, and the democratic process—not through intimidation, threats, or attempts to silence legitimate expression.
Leaders around the President should therefore demonstrate confidence in democracy rather than create the impression that political survival depends on fear and, if need be, electoral malpractices in favour of a popular and delivering president
The perception that unorthodox methods are needed to secure power is dangerous for any administration. The strength of leadership rests on public trust, performance, and engagement with citizens.
While a president may enjoy support, that confidence can be weakened when those around him appear disconnected from the electorate.
No one hates President William Ruto
The concern is about the team around him and the perception that some individuals influence decisions in ways that create distance between government and citizens.
Democracy is strengthened when leaders compete through ideas and earn support through a credible and peaceful process.
Even if political leaders privately believe an election may be challenging, their responsibility is to show confidence publicly and focus on convincing voters.
MP Sudi and other leaders should recognise that the future of leadership is determined by citizens through a free, fair, peaceful, and credible electoral process.
Words matter. Leaders must avoid rhetoric that suggests an election is already decided or creates a sense of political siege before citizens have exercised their democratic right. Such language risks deepening polarisation and weakening trust in institutions.
In any democracy, legitimacy comes from the will of the people expressed through a transparent ballot and protected by strong institutions — not through threats, intimidation, or violence.
No presidency is permanent
President Ruto himself has acknowledged that the presidency is not a matter of life and death. That statement carries an important message about the temporary nature of political power. The true measure of leadership lies not only in words but also in actions, performance, and respect for democratic principles.
Constitutional democracies, including countries such as the United States and South Africa, recognise that power belongs to the people and that leaders can either be renewed by voters or peacefully replaced.
This has never been about one individual. It has always been about the people, the Constitution, and the sovereign will of the electorate. Kenya is bigger than any president — past, present, or future.
If President Ruto deserves a second term, which he deserves, then leaders around him and supporters should have confidence in presenting his achievements and persuading Kenyans.
Votes should be earned through performance, ideas, and trust — not through fear or intimidation. Political competition is not a threat to democracy; it is the foundation of democracy.
The strongest endorsement of any leader comes from the ballot box, not from pressure. Democracies are strengthened by ballots, not intimidation, and leaders are renewed by the people’s mandate — not by the belief that power is a matter of life and death.
The author is Kimutai Kirui, a Kenyan political analyst and human rights activist known for his work in Uasin Gishu County, where he has championed justice in cases ranging from police brutality to land disputes affecting widows.
Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the editorial position of news9.africa.
Discussion about this post