NAIROBI, Kenya — Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs to President William Ruto, Professor Makau Mutua, has warned that the slogan ‘wantam’ could amount to coded hate speech.
Mutua, long known for fighting for human rights, including free speech, raised concerns about what he termed as the toxicity of political messaging in Kenya as President Ruto campaigns for a second term.
The slogan originated from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he fell out with President Ruto, leading to his impeachment.
Prof. Mutua, an advisor to the President on constitutional matters, noted that the bile and personal attacks propagated through the slogan are a ‘radical departure’ from the political discourse witnessed during the campaigns of the previous two incumbents.
The slogan “wantam” could be considered coded hate speech. The bile and toxicity of its speakers are a radical departure from Kenya’s political discourse. None of the previous two incumbents were subjected to such unfathomable calumny.
“None of the previous two incumbents were subjected to such unfathomable calumny,” he said, highlighting the potential of such rhetoric to deepen political and social divisions.
Critics, however, argue that Mutua’s assertions amount to violating principles of free speech and inciting political intolerance.
Calling it “coded hate” dilutes the real meaning of hate speech and risks silencing legitimate dissent. Kenya’s politics has always been robust, what’s changed is that citizens now speak more openly. Disagree with the message if you must, but don’t mislabel it. #WANTAM
Kenya’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Article 33, but also emphasizes that this right must not be abused to propagate hate, incite violence, or threaten national cohesion.
“Wantam” is fundamentally a constitutional and accountability argument, not a hate slogan. It reflects growing public frustration with governance, economic pressure, and unmet promises. In any democracy, citizens have the right to signal that one term is enough if expectations