From cheers to 'Wantam': Why Ruto's allies are losing the crowd

A series of dramatic encounters between pro-government leaders and members of the public is increasingly raising questions about the Kenya Kwanza administration's standing on the ground.

In what was once considered a political advantage, senior government officials and MPs are now finding themselves heckled, chased away or forced to cut short public meetings as frustrated citizens openly express their anger.

The incidents, witnessed across different parts of the country within a short period, have one striking similarity. Instead of applause, leaders are being met with chants of "Wantam", signalling growing dissatisfaction among sections of the public as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.

Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku was the latest casualty of the changing political mood.

During a visit to Kiritiri Market in Mbeere South yesterday, the crowd quickly turned hostile, interrupting his speech with chants of "Wantam", "Fukuza yeye" and "Kamata yeye".

Ruku, who has consistently defended President William Ruto's administration and argued that the Mt Kenya region remains firmly behind the government, struggled to continue addressing the gathering.

The chants only grew louder, forcing him to abandon the meeting before completing his address.

On X, one user reacting to the incident wrote, "The ground has shifted. Leaders must now listen more than they lecture." Another commented, "You cannot silence hungry people with speeches anymore."

While the comments reflect personal opinions, they mirrored the mood expressed by many users discussing the incident online.

A similar scenario  unfolded in Narok on Tuesday, where National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi encountered one of the most hostile receptions seen in recent weeks.

Videos circulating widely on social media showed hundreds of residents chanting "Wantam" as the leaders attempted to address them.

The atmosphere soon became chaotic as members of the crowd advanced towards the leaders. Dust filled the air while security officers worked to create an escape route.

Sudi was seen repeatedly urging the crowd to calm down, but his appeals had little effect as the chants continued. Reports indicated that the leaders eventually had to negotiate a safe exit from the venue.

Last Thursday, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa also found himself in trouble during a meeting in his constituency.

The legislator had organised a public gathering where cash was being distributed to residents. Initially, the exercise proceeded peacefully, with people lining up to receive the money.

However, once the cash reportedly ran out, frustration quickly boiled over. Stones were hurled, vehicles were damaged and Barasa was forced to flee under police protection.

Residents reportedly chanted "Sisi ni Sifuna" and "Wantam", turning what was meant to be a friendly engagement into a chaotic confrontation.

Ironically, the incident occurred in what has long been regarded as one of the MP's strongest political bases, suggesting that even traditional strongholds may no longer guarantee political comfort.

Early this month, Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, escaped injury after a cash distribution exercise in Lower Savannah Ward turned into a stampede-like scramble.

After addressing residents, Jalang'o began handing out money to youths who had gathered in large numbers.

As the crowd grew, the orderly queues collapsed, with people pushing towards the MP despite repeated assurances that there was enough money for everyone.

Realising the situation had become dangerous, Jalang'o threw bundles of cash into the crowd before making his escape.

Within seconds, the area was engulfed in confusion as people wrestled over the notes, while others fell to the ground in the scramble.

Public rallies are increasingly becoming platforms where citizens vent their frustrations over the high cost of living, unemployment and economic hardships rather than opportunities for leaders to market government achievements.

The events also expose the risks of transactional politics.

While financial handouts may still attract crowds, recent incidents suggest they no longer guarantee loyalty or goodwill. Once expectations are unmet, gatherings can quickly become volatile, putting both leaders and members of the public at risk.

As campaigns for the 2027 elections slowly begin taking shape, the images of Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament being heckled or chased from public meetings are likely to fuel further debate about the government's popularity.

Whether these incidents represent isolated outbursts or a broader shift in public opinion remains uncertain.

What is increasingly clear, however, is that many Kenyans are becoming more willing to voice their frustrations directly and loudly whenever political leaders come calling.