VIDEO: Runners chant 'Wantam!' during annual Nairobi City Marathon

The Nairobi City Marathon took an unexpected turn when runners at the Nairobi City Marathon were captured on video chanting “Wantam! Wantam!” — a now-viral slogan that has swept across Kenya’s political and social landscape.

Multiple clips making rounds on social media show participants, some raising their hands mid-stride, joining in the chant that has become a form of protest against President William Ruto’s anticipated 2027 re-election campaign. 

“Wantam,” derived from the English phrase “one term,” was popularised by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua earlier this year. 

The phrase was initially used to criticize internal rivals, but it has since taken on a life of its own as a rallying cry among disillusioned citizens calling for Ruto to serve only one term in office.

Participants of Sunday's Nairobi City Marathon broke into chants of “Wantam” and other anti-government slogans in a spontaneous display of public dissent just a day ahead of planned #SabaSaba2025 #77NiNumbers protests. pic.twitter.com/89XW1kTaQh

— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) July 6, 2025

The marathon moment comes just days before the highly anticipated Saba Saba demonstrations, set to take place on July 7.

Historically rooted in Kenya’s push for multi-party democracy in the 1990s, Saba Saba has re-emerged in recent years as a symbol of civil resistance and political accountability.

Organizers and opposition figures have planned nationwide protests, but Nairobi is expected to be the epicenter.

The use of “Wantam” by marathon participants subtly signals the growing frustration among Kenyans grappling with tough economic conditions, rising taxes, and unmet campaign promises.

While the Nairobi City Marathon is typically a unifying national event focused on athletic excellence, this year’s edition became an unexpected stage for political expression.

Now in its fourth edition, the marathon saw Benson Murkomen Tunyo and Emily Chepkemoi claim victory despite the challenging cold weather.

Murkomen completed the race in 2:08:37, narrowly missing the course record by 59 seconds, while Chepkemoi achieved a remarkable time of 2:25:52, securing Sh3.5 million.