NAIROBI, Kenya – A female hotel owner has sparked online debate after a video emerged showing her visibly distressed as she displayed piles of food at her establishment, with the incident being linked by social media users to her apparent support for the political slogan “Tutam”.
In the circulating clip, the woman appears emotional as she shows the food that had seemingly remained unsold, prompting a wave of reactions from Kenyans who weighed in on whether business owners should mix their political opinions with their commercial activities.
The claim that customers stopped patronising her food joint because she said “Tutam” has not been independently established. However, the video has fuelled discussion about the possible consequences of publicly expressing political loyalties in an increasingly polarised environment.
The incident has also drawn humour from Kenyans, with several commenters suggesting that the hotel owner should take her food to State House or appeal directly to President William Ruto and his allies.
Kenyans tell hotel owner to take food to State House
Some social media users argued that business owners should keep their political positions separate from their businesses, warning that openly campaigning for a political side could alienate potential customers.
One commenter wrote: “No matter what, separate your personal business from politics.”
Another suggested that the woman should redirect her food to the centre of government, writing: “Aende auze hizo chapati Statehouse.”
A similar reaction read: “Apelekee Statehouse wakule.”
Others questioned whether supporters of the “Tutam” slogan were patronising businesses associated with the movement.
“Does it mean those of Tutam don’t eat in such hotels or wako busy enjoying the 13 billion tea and mandazi in Statehouse,” one user asked.
The comment referenced public debate around spending at State House, although the figure cited by the commenter was not independently verified in relation to the incident.
‘Sometimes it’s good to keep your standings for yourself’
Other Kenyans used the episode to argue that business owners should be cautious about publicly declaring political allegiances, particularly when their livelihoods depend on customers with different opinions.
“Sometimes it’s good to keep your standings for yourself!” one commenter wrote.
Another user appeared to suggest that the woman had repeatedly promoted the slogan, writing: “Amerudia tutam sana, hii ni script.”
A separate commenter claimed she had shouted the slogan despite knowing it might not be well received, saying: “She knows very well no one wants to hear that and she just shouted.”
The reactions reflected a broader argument over whether political expression can carry commercial consequences, especially when slogans become closely associated with support for or opposition to particular leaders.
‘Wantam’ versus ‘Tutam’ enters everyday business
The controversy comes as the political slogans “Wantam” and “Tutam” continue to feature prominently in Kenya’s conversations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Wantam” is used by critics of President Ruto to advocate for him to serve only one term, while “Tutam” is used by supporters who want him to secure a second term. The slogans have spread beyond political rallies into online conversations and everyday public interactions.
The hotel owner’s reported experience has therefore become another talking point in the debate over how far political allegiance should extend into ordinary social and commercial life.
Some commenters questioned whether customers should be expected to overlook a business owner’s political views, while others suggested that openly declaring a political position could influence how potential customers choose where to spend their money.
One commenter jokingly suggested that the woman should contact the President directly, writing: “Si apigie Mr Tutam.”
Another simply said: “Aambie Ruto.”
Yet another directed her towards President Ruto’s communication team, writing: “Pelekea Itumbi.”
The comments were largely mocking in tone, with some users treating the episode as a lesson about the risks of making political slogans central to a business’s public identity.
‘Kuna mkale auzanga chapo base yetu’
One particularly humorous comment drew on a local example of a chapati seller who allegedly makes customers declare their political position before selling them food.
“Kuna mkale auzanga chapo base yetu, before auze lazima atuambie msimamo 😂 Inabidi Kipkoech aseme wantham kwanza,” the commenter wrote.
The remark appeared to mock the idea of turning an ordinary food transaction into a political loyalty test, suggesting that even customers buying chapati could be expected to state whether they support “Wantam” or “Tutam”.
Another commenter summed up the episode with a dismissive reaction: “Aende auze hizo chapati Statehouse.”
While the humour has dominated the online conversation, the incident has also raised questions about whether political expression should influence commercial relationships.
For now, the circulating video has become a social media talking point, with Kenyans debating whether the hotel owner’s apparent political stance had any bearing on her business fortunes—or whether the connection being made online is simply part of the wider “Wantam” versus “Tutam” political banter.
