President Ruto Reacts to ‘El Chapo’, Kasongo, Zakayo Nicknames: “Si mtaniua na majina”
Kenyan President William Ruto has addressed the growing trend of Kenyans giving him new nicknames, with the latest being “El Chapo.” Speaking in Dagoretti on Thursday, March 13, Ruto humorously questioned whether Kenyans would ever stop renaming him.
“To the people of Nairobi, let me ask you, arenโt you going to finish me with these names? You started with Hustler, then Survivor, Zakayo, and Kasongo. Now, what next?” Ruto joked while addressing the crowd.
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Why Kenyans Are Calling Ruto ‘El Chapo’
The nickname “El Chapo” came after Ruto pledged to donate a chapati-making machine capable of producing one million chapatis daily to a Nairobi school. The request was made by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to support the ‘Dishi na County’ school feeding program at St. Teresa Girls Secondary School in Mathare.
Kenyans quickly took to social media, creating memes and AI-generated images of millions of chapatis. The nickname was meant to mock the Presidentโs pledge, with critics arguing that Kenya faces more pressing economic and development issues.
Kenyans Criticize Rutoโs Priorities
Many Kenyans online have accused Ruto of focusing on trivial projects instead of addressing key national concerns. Comparisons were made with leaders from countries like Japan and China, who focus on large-scale development projects.
Despite the criticism, Ruto has previously dismissed concerns over his nicknames, including “Zakayo” and “Kasongo.” He stated that he is no longer bothered by such remarks as long as he continues to serve the people of Kenya.
Will More Nicknames Follow?
Rutoโs reaction suggests he takes the nicknames in stride, even finding humor in them. However, with Kenyans’ love for satire, it remains to be seen what new nickname the President will earn next.
President Ruto Reacts to ‘El Chapo’, Kasongo, Zakayo Nicknames: “Si mtaniua na majina”