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President William Ruto has brushed off the viral nicknames “Kasongo” and “Zakayo” with humor and confidence, declaring, “Nimewashinda na akili!” Speaking in Busia, Ruto said the names, rooted in creativity and satire, only fuel his determination to transform the nation.
“Call me what you will, but I’m focused on progress,” he quipped, drawing cheers from the crowd. While critics link the names to a 1970s hit and the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus, Ruto sees them as proof of his intelligence and resolve.
His witty comeback has sparked both laughter and debate, but one thing is clear: Ruto remains unshaken and focused on leading the country forward.
President William Ruto has embraced the viral nicknames circulating on social media, calling them a testament to his sharp wit and intelligence. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd in Busia County during his development tour on Friday, January 24, Ruto acknowledged the popular monikers with humor and confidence.
The president assured Kenyans that the nicknames don’t bother him as long as his mission to transform the nation remains on track.
“Don’t you know that some people I’ve outsmarted have started giving me names? They call me Kasongo. Let them call me Kasongo, or even Zakayo, as long as the work is moving forward, I have no problem,” Ruto told the crowd amid laughter and applause.
The nickname “Kasongo” gained traction in Kenya with the resurgence of Super Mazembe’s iconic mid-70s hit Kasongo. The song tells the story of a woman pleading with her estranged husband to come back home. Social media users humorously repurposed the term to reference President Ruto, sparking a wave of memes and videos.
Similarly, “Zakayo” draws inspiration from the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus and became popular during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests, where Ruto was likened to the character.
Despite the satire, the president has taken the nicknames in stride, viewing them as a lighthearted element of political discourse.