President William Ruto has recently addressed the nicknames "Kasongo" and "Zakayo" that have been circulating among Kenyans, emphasizing his unbothered stance as long as his administration continues its developmental agenda. During a development tour in Busia County on January 24, 2025, Ruto acknowledged these monikers, attributing "Kasongo" to his intelligence and dismissing any negative connotations. He remarked, "You know very well that I have surpassed some of these people with intelligence, and now they are coming up with names like Kasongo." He added, "Even if they call me Kasongo or Zakayo, as long as the government is doing its work, I have no problem with it."
The term "Kasongo" originates from a popular song by the band Super Mazembe, released in the mid-1970s. The song narrates the story of a woman pleading with her estranged husband, Kasongo, to return home. In recent months, particularly between November 2024 and January 2025, the song experienced a resurgence in Kenya. Social media users on platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook have adopted "Kasongo" as a satirical reference to President Ruto, often infusing the song with political commentary.
The nickname "Zakayo" draws from the Biblical character Zacchaeus, a tax collector mentioned in the New Testament. This moniker surfaced on social media in May 2023, amid discussions on new tax proposals by the Ruto administration. Kenyans likened the president to Zacchaeus due to his focus on tax collection to fund national development projects.
This isn't the first time President Ruto has addressed these nicknames. On January 3, 2025, during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s mother in Bungoma County, Ruto commented on the names, noting that "Kasongo" originates from a good song, while "Zakayo" symbolizes the country's progress due to a strong tax system. He stated, "That Kasongo song is fine; it's a very good song, so let's keep playing it." Regarding "Zakayo," he added, "That Zakayo name is not bad either because collecting taxes to develop Kenya is not bad, and Jesus visited Zakayo."
Despite the satirical undertones of these nicknames, President Ruto has embraced them, maintaining his focus on governance and development. His lighthearted acknowledgment of the monikers has resonated with many Kenyans, showcasing his ability to engage with public sentiment while steering the nation forward.
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President William Ruto has recently addressed the nicknames "Kasongo" and "Zakayo" that have been circulating among Kenyans, emphasizing his unbothered stance as long as his administration continues its developmental agenda. During a development tour in Busia County on January 24, 2025, Ruto acknowledged these monikers, attributing "Kasongo" to his intelligence and dismissing any negative connotations. He remarked, "You know very well that I have surpassed some of these people with intelligence, and now they are coming up with names like Kasongo." He added, "Even if they call me Kasongo or Zakayo, as long as the government is doing its work, I have no problem with it." 
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