Kalonzo Heckled with ‘Tutam’ Chants at Tharaka Nithi Rally

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was forced to cut short his tour of Tharaka Nithi County on Thursday after a rally in Kibong’a was disrupted by youths chanting pro-government slogans.

Kalonzo had begun his two-day visit with the launch of a new Wiper Liberation Front office in Marimanti, aiming to strengthen the party’s presence in the region. However, during a public rally in Kibong’a, a group of youths interrupted his speech by repeatedly chanting “Tutam,” a slogan associated with President William Ruto’s bid for a second term. 

The phrase, widely used by government supporters, has emerged in response to previous calls from some quarters for a single-term presidency. Unable to continue with his address, Kalonzo left the venue and later accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of being behind the incident. 

He criticised the disruption as a deliberate effort to silence opposition voices and questioned how national leaders could expect fair treatment elsewhere if they restrict political activity in their own regions. Speaking after the incident, Kalonzo said the use of organised groups to derail political events undermines democratic engagement. 

His concerns were supported by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, who condemned the disruption and called for greater respect in political discourse.

The growing use of the “Tutam” slogan at opposition events has raised questions about the line between political expression and coordinated interference.