President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to embrace his nickname ‘Zakayo’ as a symbol of solidarity in tax collection and payment. Speaking at a rally in Sagana, Kirinyaga County, on Saturday, the President downplayed the moniker, which emerged on social media in response to numerous taxes introduced by his administration.
He emphasized that everyone should accept the name, as it reflects a collective responsibility in fostering the nation’s economic growth. Ruto suggested that rather than him alone being called Zakayo, Kenyans should take pride in sharing the name, just as they share the burden of paying taxes.
“Mnajua hawa watu waliniita Zakayo. Sasa, kwani hii pesa inaokotwa ya Kenya, inaenda kwa account ya Ruto? Si inaenda Treasury penye mambo yetu yote inaelekea? Hakuna haja kuita mtu mmoja Zakayo. Kila mtu akuje tukuwe Zakayo wote hapa ndani, tuitwe Zakayo wote pamoja,” Ruto said.
“Si sisi wote tuitwe Zakayo hapa ndani? Tutafute ushuru? Tulipe madeni? Na tusukume Kenya mbele?”
The President highlighted the unity agenda reflected in his inclusive government as a crucial element for fostering national growth without divisions.
He defended his decision to appoint opposition leaders to his Cabinet, reiterating that his goal is to ensure the entire country speaks and acts as one. Ruto emphasized that involving all stakeholders in the government will be vital for uniting the nation in tax payments, managing the country’s debt, and facilitating development.
“Juzi mliniambia tuunganishe Kenya tuweke Wakenya wote pamoja. Juzi nimetengeneza serikali nikaleta kila mtu ndani. Nikalete wale wa kando ndani na kila mtu mwenye ako na la kusema huku ndani. Hakuna haja ya kuongea au kulaumiana huko nje, kuja tuongee hapa ndani,” said Ruto.
“Ndio tupange vile tutalipa madeni ya Kenya. Tunafaa tupange vile tutapanga ushuru wa Kenya ndio tujue vile tutapanga uchumi wa Kenya.”
President Ruto has in the past welcomed the Zakayo name emphasising that he was unbothered, so long as Kenyans continue to pay their taxes.
