From Kasongo to Omosongo: Ruto gets new nickname in Nyamira

President William Ruto has a new nickname.

A resident in Nyamira County took the microphone during a public rally at Magwagwa Stadium on November 08, 2026, and officially rebranded the Head of State.

The man decided to retire the popular ‘Kasongo‘ tag and replace it with ‘Omosongo‘. In the Gusii language, the word Omosongo translates to a white person or a European.

Addressing the massive crowd that turned up to receive the President, the resident was direct and brief, wanting the name change to happen right there and then.

“Nataka nibadilishe ile jina Kasongo iwe jina ingine inaitwa Omosongo,” he announced to the audience.

“Kwa hivyo kwanzia leo, hakuna jina Kasongo,” he told the cheering residents. “Kwanzia leo, William Samoei Ruto anaitwa Omosongo.”

This is not the first time President Ruto finds himself on the receiving end of a viral moniker. Over the years, he has built a reputation for accepting names given by both supporters and online critics.

Before the Nyamira rally retired it, Kasongo was widely popular.

Originating from online banter and a Congolese rumba song, the President publicly embraced the Kasongo tag during a Western Region tour.

Prior to that, he famously owned the ‘Zakayo‘ label.

Initially coined by critics in reference to the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus due to his administration’s tax policies, the President deflected the intended joke at the time by noting that the biblical figure eventually dined with Jesus.

He has also comfortably worn the ‘Nabii‘ (Prophet) tag, a nod to his frequent church attendance, alongside his primary ‘Hustler‘ brand that propelled him to power.

Nicknames are a permanent fixture in local politics. They usually stem from a politician’s habits, memorable campaign slogans, or random unscripted moments during public rallies.

These titles often catch on quickly across social media and on the ground, eventually becoming a core part of a leader’s public brand.

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