A section of Kenyans online has been humorously trolling President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga following their latest public display of unity.
The two leaders were in Kisumu County on Thursday to launch various development projects and later travelled together to Homa Bay County on Friday. There, they oversaw the commissioning of several government initiatives, including affordable housing units.
Riding in the same vehicle and addressing enthusiastic crowds jointly, President Ruto appeared to be banking on their newfound camaraderie to win support from the Nyanza region, traditionally a stronghold of Raila Odinga.
While the two leaders launched projects and shared a meal at the newly opened fish market in Homa Bay, Kenyans on social media were busy mocking them.
On popular social media platform X, the terms “Notam” and “Wantam” began trending. “Notam,” meaning “no term,” was used to refer to Raila Odinga, who has unsuccessfully contested the presidency five times.
“Wantam,” short for “one term,” has become a nickname for President Ruto, coined by critics who believe he will not secure a second term.
Netizens used these nicknames to dismiss the chances of the Ruto-Raila alliance succeeding in the 2027 general election.
Among those who joined in the trolling were Raila’s 2022 chief presidential agent Saitabao ole Kanchory, former MP Alfred Keter, and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
They, along with many others online, dismissed the partnership as inconsequential to the 2027 political outcome.
Some sarcastically remarked that the union of “Wantam” and “Notam” would still result in “Wantam,” suggesting that even combined, the two could not secure Ruto’s second term in 2027.
A few other netizens came up with a mathematical analogy, concluding that whichever way the terms were added or multiplied, the result was politically disadvantageous for the duo.
Even US-based Kenyan musician Nonini weighed in, using satire to mock the promise of a two-term presidency under the current alliance.
By Kenyans