President William Ruto expressed his fondness for the new ‘Kasongo’ moniker that Kenyans online have playfully given him.
Speaking in Bungoma County during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s mother, Maayi Nanyama, the President couldn’t help but joke about the ‘Kasongo’ and ‘Zakayo’ names, referring to them as “good” with a chuckle.
He also acknowledged the viral ‘Kasongo’ song that has taken the country by storm and partially led to the nickname. “No problem with that,” he said, embracing the online fun.
“There are some people online who don’t want us to talk about these things because they just want to keep saying there’s no progress in Kenya – negativity, gossip… ‘Kasongo, Zakayo,’” he laughed.
“But ‘Kasongo’ is fine – it’s a good song that’s been playing, so let’s keep enjoying it. The ‘Zakayo’ name is not bad either, because we are collecting taxes to move Kenya forward. That’s good,” he added.
The President then humorously compared the Zakayo moniker to the biblical character of Zacchaeus, urging Kenyans to follow his example so that God may visit them too.
“Remember, Zacchaeus was visited by God; now, if you’re not like Zacchaeus, how will God visit you?” he quipped.
The ‘Kasongo’ name comes from a Rhumba song by the popular Super Orchestra Mazembe band, where the lyrics tell the story of a woman asking her husband, Kasongo, to come back to their marriage.
As usual, Kenyans have adapted the song and twisted its meaning to reflect President Ruto, especially in memes depicting him in silhouettes, with activities tied to certain controversial policies. These memes have since gone viral across social media.
Although the President initially stayed quiet about the name and song, he made a splash on New Year’s Eve in Kisii County by dancing to the tune with his entourage.
Early 2024, President William Ruto vowed to remain firm in his decision-making despite facing criticism. “I don’t mind people calling me names.
Adding, “I will continue to do the right thing for our country irrespective of the names people call me including Zakayo,” he stated.
The President seems to have embraced the nickname; ‘Zakayo’. Ruto said he was ready to face criticism on taxes rather than letting the country sink into debt.
