Kenyans attending the LA 7s rugby match in USA made headlines not just for their team spirit but for their political message. What began as a patriotic moment quickly turned into a bold protest against President William Ruto.
The crowd had gathered in Los Angeles for a Rugby match started by singing Kenya’s national anthem with emotion and pride.
Moments later, chants of “Ruto Must Go, Mwizi” rang through the stands. “Mwizi” means thief in Swahili. The chants were a direct attack on Ruto’s leadership. Fans waved flags, cheered, and filmed the powerful moment. Under the cloudy LA sky, a wave of red, green, and black flooded the stands.
The LA 7s is one of the biggest events in the World Rugby Sevens Series. This year, it drew a large crowd of Kenyans from across the U.S. Many came to support their national teams, Shujaa and the Lionesses.
But for many, it was about more than just rugby. It became a platform for expressing frustration.
The protest was a reflection of the anger many Kenyans feel, both at home and abroad. Ruto’s government has faced backlash over rising costs of living and poor governance. Protests in Nairobi and Mombasa in 2024 turned deadly, leaving over 40 people dead during clashes with police.
This is not the first time the diaspora has spoken out. In January 2025, during the Perth Sevens in Australia, hundreds of Kenyan fans also protested.
They shouted the same message: Ruto must go. The pattern shows a rising global voice demanding change.
At the heart of the LA protest was a strong sense of unity. Families, students, and professionals stood side by side. They wore Kenyan colors and carried signs.
Their message was loud and clear. They want leadership that listens and delivers.
Despite the political outcry, the rugby action continued. Shujaa fought hard to reclaim their core spot in the series.
The Lionesses arrived with fresh energy after winning in Poland. But the protest made one thing clear. For many, rugby was only part of the story. The bigger game was calling for justice back home.
By Kenyans