NAIROBI, Kenya – What was billed as a peaceful showcase of Nairobi’s growing fitness culture and urban charm quickly turned political when sections of participants in the 2025 Nairobi City Marathon broke into chants targeting President William Ruto.
Some runners launched into spontaneous anti-government slogans, most notably the now-viral “Wantam” chant—sparking surprise from both onlookers and the police officers stationed along the route.
Viral videos showed clusters of participants—dressed in pink marathon jerseys—raising their voices in coordinated defiance, transforming sections of the race into a moving rally.
Police, caught off guard, appeared more frozen than forceful, opting to observe rather than intervene. The chants, loud and unrelenting, echoed through the chilly Nairobi air, hinting at the tension simmering ahead of the much-anticipated Saba Saba protests set for Monday, July 7.
Online, Kenyans wasted no time. Videos of the chanting athletes spread rapidly across X, TikTok, and Threads, as digital activists and opposition voices warned the government to expect a “preview of Monday’s energy.”
Yet amid the political theatrics, the sport did what sport does best—deliver standout performances.
Benson Murkomen Tunyo stormed to the men’s victory with a commanding time of 2:08:37, falling just shy of the course record.
This marked sweet redemption for Murkomen, who finished eighth in last year’s edition.
Close on his heels was Justus Limo at 2:08:47, followed by Kangogo Albert, who clocked 2:09:06 to round off the podium.
In the women’s race, Emily Chepkemoi owned the streets with a swift 2:25:52, clinching top honours and the Ksh3.5 million prize in what is now Africa’s most lucrative marathon. Her victory sent a powerful message: Kenyan women remain a force on the global road running scene.
But back in Kenya, all eyes are now on Monday. The marathon’s unexpected shift into protest territory underscores a growing reality: even fitness events aren’t immune to the country’s rising political pressure.
As Kenyans prepare for Saba Saba, today’s marathon wasn’t just about medals. It was about a message.
