President William Ruto has officially embraced a new nickname, ‘Chapo,’ as given to him by Kenyans following his promise to Nairobi pupils to buy a chapati-making machine that can produce one million chapatis a day.
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd in Kibra on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the president acknowledged the growing list of monikers that Kenyans have bestowed upon him, finally accepting his latest nickname with good humour.
“Now I’m asking you, after this ‘Kasongo,’ is there another name? Goodness, the names have increased. ‘Chapo?’ Yes, that Chapo name is fine. Let’s continue with ‘Chapo’ as well,” the president said amid cheers from the crowd.
During his address, the Head of State entertained his supporters by singing the popular song ‘Kasongo Yeye,’ which earned him the moniker ‘Kasongo.’
The moment marked a lighthearted interaction between Ruto and Kibra residents, an area traditionally considered an opposition stronghold.
Ruto further expressed his delight at visiting the constituency, emphasizing national unity and his commitment to serving all Kenyans regardless of their political affiliations.
“People of Kibra, I am very happy to be here with you. We are one brotherhood, people of one nation, and I tell you that I love you very much, and I am going to work hard for every Kenyan to make sure that every child in Kenya moves forward,” Ruto stated.
Nicknames
Earlier in the day, in Lang’ata Constituency, Ruto had expressed a subtle unease regarding the growing trend of Kenyans giving him multiple nicknames. He urged citizens to exercise restraint in this practice.
The Head of State conveyed his apprehension that this habit could escalate uncontrollably, noting that Kenyans have been persistent in their tendency to assign him various monikers.
In a light-hearted yet earnest appeal, Ruto recounted the evolution of these sobriquets, highlighting how they have transitioned from ‘Hustler’ to ‘Survivor,’ then to ‘Zakayo,’ and more recently to ‘Kasongo.’
“Let me ask you, Nairobi Lang’ata, won’t you overwhelm me with these names? You started by calling me ‘hustler,’ then ‘survivor,’ then ‘Zakayo.’ Now you’ve reached ‘Kasongo,’” the president said.
He playfully inquired of the crowd how many more such appellations they intended to confer upon him, expressing a blend of amusement and concern over the seemingly endless proliferation of these nicknames.
“How many more names will you add? Will you continue until they are ten? Who knows what will come next? But it’s alright. What do you say?” he asked the crowd.