President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to decisive leadership, despite enduring criticism and the adoption of the nickname “Zakayo.” Addressing the public while in Tokyo, President Ruto emphasized his determination to pursue the best course for the nation, regardless of the disparaging monikers directed at him.
“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,” President Ruto declared.
The President’s steadfast stance comes in response to recent social media references to the biblical figure Zacchaeus, known as “Zakayo” in Swahili, due to proposed tax reforms under his administration. Embracing the comparison, President Ruto has expressed his readiness to endure criticism for the betterment of the nation.
“Nikasema tulipe Housing Levy, watu wakasema ya kwamba naleta mambo ya ‘Zakayo’. Heri mimi nikuwe ‘Zakayo’ lakini hawa vijana wapate ajira, heri niitwe ‘Zakayo’ na Kenya issingie kwa madeni,” he asserted. (I said we pay the Housing Levy but people said that I’m becoming the Biblical Zaccheus ‘Zakayo’. It is better to be Zakayo and the youths get employment. It is better to be ‘Zakayo’ than let Kenya sink into debt).
