MPs Chant “Tutam!” During President Ruto’s State of the Nation Address

Introduction

On November 20, 2025, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President William Ruto was briefly interrupted by Members of Parliament (MPs) who erupted into chants of “Tutam! Tutam!” — a strong signal of their support for him to run for a second term. Some MPs even shouted “Fire! Fire! Fire!” when he mentioned large infrastructure plans.

What the MPs Were Saying / Doing

The MPs stood up, raised two fingers in the air, and shouted “Tutam,” which many interpret as their political backing for a second presidential term for Ruto. The disruption came at a moment when Ruto was talking about major road projects — for example, the dualling of the Rironi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Summit road. He also mentioned the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu, which triggered the chants.

According to K24, these chants are seen as a tacit endorsement of his re-election in 2027.

The Bigger Picture — Political Implications

The “Tutam!” chants are more than just spontaneous cheers: they may signal a formal or informal campaign within parliament to back Ruto for a second term. Ruto, in his speech, laid out four national priorities: education and skills, industrial economy, large-scale infrastructure, and reliable energy. He acknowledged that financing these priorities will be challenging — the projected cost is very high. Critics (some MPs) worry about how realistic these plans are, given the financial burden.

Why This Matters

This moment shows how parliamentary dynamics can influence public perception: MPs publicly showing support gives political weight to Ruto’s agenda.It raises questions about the cost of development: while big infrastructure is attractive, funding it may require borrowing or higher taxes.For the public and voters, it’s a reminder to watch not just what is promised, but how it will be delivered and paid for.

Conclusion

The “Tutam!” chants in parliament during Ruto’s State of the Nation Address are a potent political signal. They reflect strong internal support from a section of MPs, possibly as part of a strategy to pave the way for his re-election. However, with ambitious promises come serious financial questions. Whether these pledges will translate into tangible benefits — or lead to fiscal strain — remains to be seen.