From the heat of the campaign trail to the weight of the presidency, Kenya's President William Ruto has accumulated a series of evolving nicknames that reflect both commendation and condemnation from citizens.
Starting out as a well-crafted political persona in his quest for the top job, it has become a series of names shaped by his leadership approach, economic policies, and public perception.
Some of these nicknames have been embraced by his supporters, while others have been coined by critics to define different moments of his tenure.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing three of his most popular nicknames and how he earned them, offering a glimpse into the shifting narratives surrounding his presidency:
Hustler
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William Ruto gained the "Hustler" nickname during the build-up to the 2022 general election by positioning himself as a politician who related to the tribulations of the ordinary Kenyan. He frequently highlighted his journey from selling chickens in Sugoi to becoming the country's deputy president, emphasising his humble background to connect with the masses. His campaign was anchored on bottom-up economic model, which aimed at empowering low-income earners, small businesses, and informal traders through increased access to credit and opportunities.
During the campaigns, Ruto took a stance against the political dynasties, as he called them, and presented himself as a homegrown politician. His message gained traction among the majority of Kenyans, particularly those working in the informal sector, which cemented his "Hustler" persona.
I started out as a chicken seller, and today I am the Deputy President of Kenya. That is the true hustler story," he once remarked. He pledged to empower other 'hustlers' by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and ensuring economic inclusivity. These factors collectively cemented Ruto’s identity as the "Hustler," a title that became central to his political narrative and campaign messaging.
Zakayo
Barely two years into office, William Ruto's moniker among Kenyans switched from "Hustler" to "Zakayo," a reference to the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus. The nickname began trending in mid-2023 when Kenyans were demonstrating against Ruto's government's taxation policies, particularly the Finance Act, that subjected fuel, housing, and other items to higher taxes. To most, these measures were burdensome, especially for low-income earners and small businesses, fueling the widespread use of the nickname on social media and political platforms.
Ruto, however, dismissed the criticism and adopted the nickname, asserting, "I don't mind people calling me names. I will continue to do the right thing for our country irrespective of the names people call me, including Zakayo."
He justified the taxation policies, referencing that they were crucial to weaning Kenya off over-reliance on foreign loans and entrenching Kenya's economic independence. Despite the backlash, the nickname stuck, becoming a defining part of his presidency.
Kasongo
After Zakayo came Kasongo, a nickname that emerged in early 2024 as a satirical jab at President William Ruto’s frequent foreign trips, particularly to Western nations, Kasongo, a common Congolese name, was used satirically to suggest Ruto spent most of his time away from Kenya, drawing comparisons to foreign leaders rather than a sitting Kenyan president.
The nickname gained steam on social media after Ruto's numerous foreign trips, as critics alleged that he was prioritising international engagement over domestic challenges such as the rising cost of living and taxation.
Memes, cartoons, and political commentaries flooded online platforms, referring to him as Kasongo to suggest that the president was turning into more of a "foreign traveler" than a president worrying about domestic issues.
Despite the criticism, Ruto justified his foreign travel, indicating that it was pivotal in accessing investments, collaborations, and economic opportunities for Kenya. He insisted that his foreign engagements would ultimately benefit the country through trade deals and diplomatic interactions.
El-Chapo
The President acknowledged the latest nickname in his tour of Nairobi County this week
Kenyans coined the name after President Ruto announced that he would buy a 'chapati-making machine' to make one million chapatis in a day at the request of Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Viral memes of chapatis and machines began to circulate on social media.
