Ruto catches himself before calling Matiang’i "Mr. Yala"
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tuko
During his tour of the Gusii region, Kenyan President William Ruto nearly nicknamed former minister Fred Matiang’i "Mr. Yala", before stopping and laughing, according to Tuko. The nickname refers to the Yala River murders. He did, however, refer to other opposition figures, including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, by political nicknames.
Kenyan President William Ruto nearly called former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i "Mr. Yala" on Tuesday 10 November, during his tour of the Gusii region. He began to say "Huyu Mr. Ya..." before stopping, laughing and moving on, Tuko reports. The nickname is widely understood as a reference to the Yala River murders.
Ruto did, however, refer to other opponents by their nicknames: former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as "Bwana Texas" and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as "Mr. 40".
He said he had helped to get Matiang’i appointed to the Interior Ministry, a post he says Matiang’i held well. Ruto added that former President Uhuru Kenyatta had convinced him to leave the World Bank and return to local politics, and that his "shoe soles are worn out".
He promised to bring Matiang’i, Gachagua and Kalonzo together and to step down with them in 2032 to make way for young people. He had already mentioned this joint retirement in 2032 with Gachagua and Kalonzo, a few days after the three opposition figures showed their unity on 8 November.
