William Ruto Embraces His Nickname Zakayo, Urges Kenyans To Pay Taxes: "Ni Jina Tu"

• President William Ruto embraced his nickname Zakayo during his Labour Day speech at Uhuru Gardens on Wednesday, May 1
• The president emphasised the importance of taxes in nation-building, advocating for citizens to contribute to the country's development
• His remarks related to the ongoing taxation debates, with Ruto asserting the importance of taxes in funding universal healthcare and creating job opportunities

Kenyans have hilariously dubbed President William Ruto as Zakayo in response to his initiatives to introduce new tax measures.

The president has taken a firm stance on tax reforms, advocating for increased contributions to the National Health Insurance Funds (NHIF) and the introduction of a Housing Levy to support the government’s affordable housing project, asserting that these are essential steps in nation-building.

The comparison to the biblical figure Zacchaeus, a known tax collector, emerged from Ruto's tax reform efforts.

President Ruto on why Kenyans should pay taxes

In an unexpected move, Ruto welcomed the moniker during his address on Labour Day, which took place on Wednesday, May 1 at Uhuru Gardens.

The head of state stated that Zakayo is merely a name and expressed no objections to it.

"Fellow Kenyans, our country’s development won’t come about through miracles or external help; it's up to us to forge our path. Our collective efforts, intellect, and taxes are crucial. Being called Zakayo is not an issue. The issue is we must pay taxes. Zakayo is just a name. It has no problem. Provided we are building this nation.

As long as we have universal healthcare programmes in place, and our young people get employment opportunities, Zakayo is a name. Let's move forward. No problem. We must build our country with our energy, knowledge, talent, plan and taxes," he said.

Christina Shusho's upcoming song Zakayo excites Kenyans

Separately, gospel singer Christina Shusho sparked excitement among Kenyan fans with the announcement of her upcoming song, Zakayo.

Kenyans were eagerly anticipating the release of Zakayo, with many taking to social media to express their excitement.

The reason behind the Kenyan public's fervour was the fact that their President Ruto, is nicknamed Zakayo.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke