By Billy Mijungu
The political air in Kenya is thick again and this time it’s laced with symbols, spirits, and slogans. The headlines have been hijacked by a new age chant “Half Term One Term Wantam, Two Term Tutam.” It is not merely a catchy rhyme, it is a powerful statement reflecting a nation’s growing political tension.
At its heart lies a warning, a wish, and for some, a prophetic proclamation directed at President William Ruto.
June 25th, now etched in the minds of the youth as a sacred day of civic rebellion, was marked as the first anniversary of the #RejectFinanceBill2024 movement. This spontaneous Gen Z uprising against taxation policies that disproportionately hurt young people has grown into a full blown resistance movement. Its spirit lives on not just online but now on the streets, in song, and more curiously in the calendar.
This year the commemoration coincided with the school half term break. For many this was not mere coincidence but cosmic choreography. In the deeply spiritual and superstitious lanes of Kenyan politics, some anti Ruto voices have gone as far as claiming that even the spirit realm has turned against the President. Half term school break, half term presidency. The symbolism is too sharp for them to ignore.
Whether driven by youthful rage, political calculation, or divine revelation, the “Wantam” movement has become an unshakable thorn in the side of Kenya Kwanza. The chant itself sounds like a rejection “we want him gone after one term.” But in equal and opposite reaction, Ruto’s allies have quickly mobilized a counter force, Tutam, short for “tutamaliza” meaning “we will finish the two terms.”
As the battle lines harden between the one term dreamers and the two term defenders, the real political moves are being made far from the street chants, at the negotiation tables where alliances are brokered and ambitions laid bare. And the key piece on the board is one Kalonzo Musyoka.
In recent weeks, Kenya Kwanza has made noticeable overtures towards Kalonzo. President Ruto, keen on building a broad based government, knows too well that without breaking Azimio’s spine, 2027 is a complicated road. Kalonzo, on the other hand, remains a kingmaker reluctant to crown just anyone. His compass still points toward Raila Odinga, the man whose blessing he needs before taking any political leap.
But Raila’s plans are as enigmatic as ever. Will he run again? Will he back Kalonzo? Or will he anoint someone else? Matiang’i’s name has suddenly emerged as a Gen Z favorite.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary, once a symbol of iron fisted efficiency, now floats above the political fray with a dignified silence that only adds to his mystique. He is the poster child of a no nonsense leadership many young people crave.
Gachagua’s name, once tied firmly to Mount Kenya succession politics, has also surfaced as a Kalonzo backer. It’s not an obvious pairing but then again strange bedfellows have always defined Kenyan political seasons.
So where does Kalonzo stand? He is the most courted man in Kenyan politics today. And for good reason. With the ability to swing the Eastern vote and a track record of political endurance, he is the hinge on which 2027 may turn. Whether he tilts towards Ruto’s Tutam or aligns with the Wantam brigade, his decision could tip the scales.
One thing is certain. Kenya’s political theatre is heating up and 2027 has started to cast its shadow. The chants, the spirits, the half terms and hashtags are just the opening scenes. What follows will be written in alliances, betrayals, and bold declarations.
Half Term or Full Term. Wantam or Tutam. Kenya holds its breath.
