President William Ruto has once again explained that he has no problem being nicknamed “Zakayo” by Kenyans on social media.
Speaking at ACK Emmanuel Parish in Makadara, Ruto quoted a verse from 1st Corinthians which talks of how Paul devoted his life to serve Christ.
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“The bishop has tried helping me by telling you guys to stop calling me names from Zakayo and the rest. I read the Bible and 1st Corinthians chapter nine verse nineteen says ‘I became a Jew so that the Jews could come along. I became everything for Christ’s sake.’ I want to tell you, I have no problem being called whatever name, so long as I achieve a better destiny for our country,” Ruto said.
Ruto was nicknamed Zakayo the Kiswahili translation of Zacchaeus, the Biblical chief tax collector from Jericho.
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Kenyans gave the head of state the nickname when he began introducing new taxation measures some of which they were against.
However, in his quote, Ruto simply meant that he is ready to bear any name in his efforts to develop the country.
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The same verse states that “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.”
This therefore means that Ruto has offered to be a slave to Kenyans and will do all it takes to make them realize Kenya Kwanza’s development plans.
Ruto maintained that he has no issue with the nicknames and the noise made about some of his decisions including taxation and the affordable housing plan.
Ruto Explains Why God Made Him President
He explained that God chose him to be president with one goal; to change the history of the country.
The president acknowledged that there will be obstacles to achieve his agenda, but he will succeed by the grace of God.
“I have no issue with whatever is being said left right and center, my focus is to make sure that we change our country. I am very clear, God did not make me the president just to fill the vacancy, get a job and earn a salary,” he said.
“God gave me this opportunity to change Kenya and I intend to do it. I know it is not going to be easy but by God’s grace, we are going to change this country for the better.”
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Why Government Will Not Listen to Critics, Bible Story
Referring to the Bible again, Ruto mentioned that the wall of Jerusalem could have been built if prophet Nehemiah had listened to criticism from Sanballat and Tobias.
He said those opposing the government’s plans like the affordable housing and agriculture are critics just like Sanballat and Tobias.
“Katika hii harakati ya kujenga, kutakuwa na watu wengi ambao hawaoni mahali tunaenda. Lakini baadaye,watakuja kuelewa where we are going,” he said.
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This loosely translates to “In the process of building the country, many people will not see where we are headed. They will come to understand our destination later on.”
He reiterated that the government would ensure there is enough food to eliminate hunger and create jobs for the youth.
Ruto defended the housing plan stating that it is the government’s duty to ensure people living in slums get dignified houses.
“I intend to be focused until we achieve it for the sake of our country. The same way Paul said, ‘I became everything for the sake of the gospel of Christ’, I don’t mind being anything for the sake of the destiny of our country,” he said.
The president urged leaders including the clergy to unite and work together to ensure the government meets its agenda and the country moves forward.
