Editor's Review

PS Mang'eni remained dismissive after university students were captured on camera chanting 'Wantam' during her speech.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang'eni has remained dismissive after university students were captured on camera chanting 'Wantam' during her speech. 

In a statement issued on Friday, August 28, PS Mang'eni termed the incident at Masinde Muliro University as a big joke.

She added that the 'Wantam'narrative is built on a loose ground of propaganda and lies, and vowed that the truth would soon counter it.

"The moment the truth and facts come out, the slogan disappears into thin air.

"This was the case at MMUST yesterday during the matriculation of first-year students, when a few comrades in a crowd of 8k tried that joke at the onset of my address," the PS wrote.

Read More

  1. US Unveils Ksh930 Million Plan to Modernise Kenya Police Service
  2. President Ruto Directs Police to Pursue Sponsors of Political Violence
  3. President Ruto Unveils New Police Uniforms

A file photo of MSMEs Development PS Susan Man'eni.

Mang'eni said that by the time she finished her speech, she had debunked the propaganda and lies, and the crowd had shifted into applause.

She reiterated that President William Ruto's re-election for a second term was not only real, but also unstoppable.

In the viral clip, the PS was passing President Ruto's pleasantries to the students, who responded 'Wantam'. She responded to the students, noting, 'I know, of course, that you are joking.'

The video sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans. While a number termed the incident as a true reflection of how citizens felt about the government, others viewed it as disrespectful.

The incident happened just a few hours after the Head of State declared that Kenyans should lose their life, liberty or dignity for criticising the government, expressing an unpopular opinion, or taking part in a peaceful demonstration.

Speaking during the Kaiba Day symposium, Ruto acknowledged the pain brought upon families which had lost loved ones during protests.

He also confirmed knowledge of serious allegations made over unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances and the use of lethal force, adding that they should not be ignored in the name of defending state authority.