Ruto Declares: Zakayo ni Jina, Bora Tulipe Ushuru
President William Ruto expressed that he is comfortable being compared to the biblical figure Zacchaeus as long as Kenyans contribute taxes to facilitate the transformation of the country.
During the 59th Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, the President emphasized that Kenyans should be prepared to develop their nation using their resources instead of relying on debt.
While speaking, he reiterated that he does not mind being called the biblical Zacchaeus.
“Kuitwa Zakayo sio shida. Bora tulipe Ushuru. Zakayo ni jina. No problem tunaweza kusonga mbele ,” the President said.
“Bora tujenge Kenya hii; watu wapate manyumba, tuwe na unversal health coverage na watoto wetu wapate ajira, Zakayo ni jina tuendele mbele.”
Loosely translates to: “Being named biblical Zaccheaus is not a problem. So long we pay tax, Zaccaheus is a name. There is no problem. We are good to go. So long as we can build this country, build houses, provide universal health cover, and create employment, Zaccheaus is a name and we are good to go”.
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The name Zakayo gained attention on social media after Rut’s administration introduced new taxes, including the housing levy.
Some unhappy Kenyans drew parallels between his tax policies and the biblical Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho.
However, the head of state has frequently joked about the names, suggesting he is unbothered by the comparisons.
During his speech in Tokyo in February, the President stated that despite being called different names back home, he remains committed to making firm decisions to guide the country in the right direction.
“I don’t mind people calling me names. I will continue to do the right thing for our country irrespective of the names people call me including Zakayo,” Ruto said.
The Head of State added that when you do the right thing, your conscience is clear.
Ruto Declares: Zakayo ni Jina, Bora Tulipe Ushuru