NAIROBI, KENYA — A video of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent rally speech in Githurai, where he asserted President William Ruto’s tenure would be limited to “One Term,” has ignited a viral social media phenomenon. Gachagua’s remarks, urging residents to hold the President accountable for perceived missteps, have been transformed into a popular slogan, with a phonetic twist, “Wantam,” gaining traction online.
The phrase, a playful interpretation of Gachagua’s pronunciation, has become a trending topic, inspiring creative Kenyans to produce musical parodies and videos.
Social media platforms, particularly X, are now awash with content featuring Gachagua’s “One Term” declaration set to various musical backdrops.
One user, Okoth Vicky, shared a video of himself in a studio recording a Genge-infused hip-hop track titled “Kasongo ni One Term.” The song incorporates critiques of President Ruto’s administration, including references to the fatalities during the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Another digital content creator, @Kamtuflani on TikTok, repurposed the Githurai rally video by overlaying Gachagua’s speech with an Amapiano-style beat, effectively turning the former Deputy President’s message into a musical performance.
Gachagua’s original speech, where he encouraged residents to help him “call out the president for his mistakes” using the “One Term” slogan, has now taken on a life of its own, evolving into a viral sensation and a source of creative expression.
Meanwhile, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has pledged to continue his “One Term” movement, asserting that government threats will not impede his party’s progress.
Speaking at a press conference at his Karen residence on Monday, May 19, 2025, the former Deputy President maintained that the DCP enjoys organic support and does not rely on paid attendees for its events.
Gachagua dismissed attempts to disrupt his activities through violence, stating that such tactics would not deter the people’s cause. He further affirmed that the party’s efforts to gain popularity would not be hampered by the threats he has received.
“Let it be known that our party, DCP, has organic support, and we do not pay our supporters to attend our meetings the way the government is doing to people to attend their meetings. Finally, let me assure the planners of this violence that you will not stop the cause of the people of Kenya; the one-term movement and the DCP party’s popularity will not be stopped and will not slow down,” Gachagua declared.
He warned the government that attempts to suppress his movement would be futile. Gachagua outlined his mission, which includes addressing what he perceives as government falsehoods, infrastructure development, combating corruption, ending abductions and extrajudicial killings, and improving education and healthcare systems.
“The cause to liberate Kenya is not about Rigathi Gachagua; wasting time and resources to stop me is a zero-sum game; the people of the Republic of Kenya have said that lies must stop, roads must be built, corruption must stop, and abductions and extrajudicial killings must stop; education and health systems must work; these are some of the things that are making the people of Kenya restless,” he stated.
“We are putting our supporters on high alert that they have a right to express their frustrations if injustice is meted on us. My supporters and I will not be cowed nor intimidated by the use of the criminal justice system to manage politics,” Gachagua concluded.
