President William Ruto has increasingly used political nicknames to mock his critics ahead of the 2027 General Election, targeting figures including Uhuru Kenyatta, Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka. However, the labels have struggled to gain the public acceptance enjoyed by ‘Kasongo’, the nickname Kenyans popularised for the Head of State.
The President’s use of political nicknames has become a recurring feature of his public rallies and speeches, with his remarks often targeting opposition leaders and critics of his administration.
The approach has drawn comparisons with US President Donald Trump’s political communication style, particularly his habit of giving opponents mocking nicknames. However, the reception of Ruto’s labels has raised questions about whether politicians can successfully manufacture political slogans in Kenya’s highly active social media environment.
Ruto’s nicknames for Uhuru, Gachagua and Kalonzo explained
Over the past several months, Ruto has introduced several nicknames aimed at shaping public perceptions of his political opponents.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has been referred to as ‘Sponsor’ or ‘Sponyo’, a label intended to portray him as a wealthy political financier allegedly supporting opposition activities against the current administration.
Ruto has also targeted his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, with the nickname ‘Mr Texas’. The label draws on references to Gachagua’s reported connections and activities in the United States, particularly Texas.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been called ‘Mr 40’, referring to his four decades in public service. The nickname has been used to question what his long political career has delivered.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also been labelled ‘Mr Empty’ during political disagreements, particularly debates surrounding infrastructure and investment projects.
Another controversial nickname has targeted former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. Ruto has referred to him as ‘Mr Yala’, linking the former minister to allegations surrounding killings and bodies recovered from River Yala during the previous administration. Matiang’i has denied having any involvement in the killings.
During a November 2026 rally in Kisii, Ruto reportedly began uttering the nickname before stopping himself midway through the phrase, drawing attention to the sensitivity surrounding the subject in Matiang’i’s home region.
Why Ruto’s political nicknames have struggled to gain popularity
Despite their frequent appearance in presidential speeches, the nicknames have not always produced the reactions their originators may have intended. Several factors help explain the mixed reception.
1. Opposition leaders are turning the insults into jokes
One challenge facing Ruto’s strategy is that his political opponents have not always rejected the labels.
Instead, some have embraced them or turned them into jokes, weakening their intended effect.
Uhuru demonstrated this during a September 18, 2026, burial ceremony in Murang’a. While concluding his address, the former President jokingly said, “Ni hayo machache kutoka Sponyo,” drawing laughter from mourners.
His response turned a nickname intended as political criticism into a humorous moment. Citizen Digital+1
Kalonzo has also responded to the ‘Mr 40’ label by questioning why Kenyans continued electing him throughout his political career if his experience had little value.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s allies have countered ‘Mr Texas’ with another nickname for the President: ‘Mr Taxes’.
2. Kenyans prefer nicknames that emerge organically
Another explanation lies in how political trends spread across Kenya’s digital platforms.
Unlike slogans introduced at political rallies, popular internet nicknames often emerge through ordinary conversations, memes, satire and creative social media content.
When politicians repeatedly introduce labels for their opponents, audiences may interpret the attempts as manufactured political messaging rather than expressions of popular opinion.
The ‘Kasongo’ phenomenon offers an example of how this process can work differently.
3. Some nicknames risk alienating voters
The political and historical sensitivity surrounding certain labels also presents a challenge.
The ‘Mr Yala’ nickname, for instance, references the controversy surrounding bodies recovered from River Yala and allegations linked to the previous administration.
Matiang’i has denied involvement in the killings.
Using such a label in regions where the former Cabinet Secretary enjoys political support could provoke resistance rather than generate support for the President’s argument.
Ruto’s hesitation when attempting to use the nickname during his Kisii tour illustrated the sensitivity surrounding the reference.
How ‘Kasongo’ became Ruto’s most recognisable political nickname
The contrast between Ruto’s nicknames for his opponents and the public’s use of ‘Kasongo’ is particularly interesting.
Unlike ‘Sponsor’, ‘Mr Texas’ and ‘Mr 40’, the nickname ‘Kasongo’ emerged from social media users rather than a presidential speech or an opposition political campaign.
It draws its name from a 1977 Lingala hit by Super Mazembe, a band with Congolese roots that became popular in Kenya.
The song tells the story of a woman waiting for her absent husband to return home, with the family anxious about his prolonged absence.
Kenyan social media users adapted the song into political satire, pairing its melody with memes and videos that criticised Ruto’s administration.
The trend gained considerable attention online before spilling into mainstream political conversations.
Ruto eventually responded to the phenomenon by dancing to the song during New Year celebrations at Kisii State Lodge on January 1, 2025.
He also publicly acknowledged the nickname, alongside ‘Zakayo’, which had previously been used by critics referring to his taxation policies. Citizen Digital+3
Even the President’s decision to embrace the song did not end its association with him. Instead, it continued appearing in political discussions and online satire.
Ruto’s name-calling raises questions about presidential conduct
Beyond the political exchanges, the President’s repeated use of mocking nicknames has attracted criticism from Kenyans who believe such language lowers the standards expected of the presidency.
Critics argue that the country’s Head of State should prioritise policy debates and national issues rather than repeatedly engaging political opponents through personal jibes.
Supporters, however, may view the approach as a form of political communication that makes complex political disagreements easier for ordinary audiences to understand.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the exchanges between Ruto and his opponents are likely to remain part of the country’s political conversation.
The competing nicknames also demonstrate how political communication increasingly extends beyond rallies and television interviews into Kenya’s social media culture, where audiences can adopt, reject or transform messages introduced by political leaders.
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