PAY ATTENTION: Mark TUKO.co.ke as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Nancy Odindo is a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Odindo has over six years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2023.
President William Ruto came close to publicly referencing former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i as "Mr. Yala" during his tour of the Gusii region on Tuesday, November 10, before abruptly catching himself, laughing, and moving on without completing the name.
Speaking to a crowd, Ruto began to say "Huyu Mr. Ya..." before retreating, a moment that drew immediate attention both from the crowd and online given that the "Mr. Yala" label is widely understood as a reference linking Matiang'i to the River Yala killings.
Jessica Alupo: Muhoozi Kainerugaba deactivates his X account after attacks on vice president
Rather than name Matiang'i directly in his home county, the president chose instead to refer to other opposition figures by their unofficial monikers—former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua as "Bwana Texas" and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as "Mr. 40."
PAY ATTENTION: TUKO is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in your favourite messenger.
Despite avoiding the full name, Ruto addressed what he described as his own role in Matiang'i's political journey.
