BOMET, Kenya — Sotik Member of Parliament Francis Sigei has apologised to President William Ruto over remarks he made at a rally in Bomet that were interpreted as endorsing the opposition’s “WANTAM” slogan.
Sigei said his words were a slip of the tongue and that he intended to call for Ruto to serve one more term, rather than suggesting that the President should serve only one term.
The MP said he had already apologised to Ruto and sought to clarify his position after his remarks generated political attention.
“Apologize… Nimesema pole kwa Rais nilichelewa,” Sigei said.
He attributed the apparent confusion to the excitement surrounding Ruto’s visit to the region, saying the atmosphere affected the words he used while addressing the gathering.
“Kidogo nilikuwa na shida ambaye siwezi kuitambua hapa. But wakati niliingia, nilijazwa na furaha tele, mpaka maneno ambayo nilitamka ilikuwa tofauti,” he said.
Sigei Explains ‘WANTAM’ Hand Gesture
Sigei also addressed the apparent contradiction between his hand gesture and the words he used during the rally.
According to the MP, his hand gesture was intended to communicate support for Ruto to serve another term, while his spoken words mistakenly came out as “one term.”
“Kwa mikono mimi naonyesha tutam’, lakini kwa matamshi ilikuwa ‘one term’. I meant to say ‘one more term’,” he explained.
The incident had sparked speculation because the “WANTAM” slogan — shorthand for “one term” — has been associated with political calls for Ruto to serve only one presidential term.
Sigei, however, insisted that he does not support the slogan and said he has previously warned his supporters against using it.
“Mimi nimekuwa mstarini mbele, hata niliwaambia watu ya kwamba sitaki kusikia mtu ambaye anasema ‘one term’,” he said.
MP Reaffirms Support for Ruto’s Second Term
Sigei said his political position remained unchanged and that he supports Ruto serving a second term.
He thanked the President for visiting the region and launching development projects, saying the occasion should focus on peace and development rather than political disagreements.
“Leo ilikuwa siku ya amani, hatutaki mambo madogo madogo ije kuharibu mambo ambaye ni makubwa,” Sigei said.
He subsequently reaffirmed his support for Ruto’s re-election.
“Sisi watu wa Sotik tunasema President William Ruto aende term ya pili,” he said.
The MP described his controversial statement as an accidental misstatement rather than a shift in his political allegiance.
“Unajua nilisema term ya kwanza, lakini nilikuwa nasema ‘one more term’ kwa kueleza vizuri,” Sigei said.
He also addressed people who had celebrated his initial remarks, telling them that they had misunderstood his position.
“Wale ambao walifurahia ile kitu ambayo nilitamka kwa makosa, poleni. Kwa sababu mimi niko kwa ‘two terms’ bila kupinga,” he said.
Sigei’s clarification comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the question of Ruto’s re-election already featuring prominently in political discussions across the country.
