Madaraka Day celebrations in Turkana North took an unexpected turn on Monday June 1 2026 after a section of residents broke into sustained chants of “Wantam” during local commemorations sending a pointed message to President William Ruto that a growing number of Kenyans want him out after one term in office.
Video footage captured by journalist Rashid Lorogoi and shared by The Standard Digital shows jubilant crowds jumping and dancing before segments of the gathering shifted into rhythmic chants of “Wantam! Wantam!” The atmosphere changed noticeably as the slogan echoed through the venue creating visible unease among officials and some attendees present at the event.
“Wantam” derived from the phrase “one term” has gained significant traction across Kenya as a form of political protest against perceived governance failures. Its emergence in Turkana North a region that has historically battled marginalisation and underdevelopment suggests the frustration runs deeper than online commentary and has taken root in communities far from Nairobi.
The specific trigger for the chants during the celebrations was not immediately clear. Local leaders and security officials did not issue any statement on the disruption and no arrests were reported following the incident. The chants spread quickly on social media sparking widespread debate about regional grievances and the government’s development record.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s administration had organised parallel celebrations focused on themes of unity education and future development. Cultural performances and speeches marking 63 years of self-governance had initially energised the crowd before the political chants took over a portion of the gathering.
The scenes in Turkana North stood in stark contrast to the national celebrations held in Wajir County where President Ruto presided over a historic and well-attended Madaraka Day event at the newly built Wajir Stadium. Those celebrations concluded smoothly and were widely described as a unifying and landmark occasion for Northern Kenya.
Political analysts say the Turkana incident reflects the broader national mood as conversations about leadership accountability intensify ahead of the 2027 general election. While some view “Wantam” as youthful expression others see it as a genuine barometer of public dissatisfaction with the current administration’s delivery on key promises made to ordinary Kenyans.