Ruto Stuns MCAs with State House Invite After ‘Tutam’ Chants and Shocking State House Revelation
President William Ruto has invited members of the Nairobi County Assembly to a cocktail reception at State House Nairobi, in what is being interpreted as a strategic show of goodwill following his landmark address to the county legislators.
The invitation was formally communicated on the floor of the Assembly by Speaker Kennedy Okeyo Ng’ondi, who confirmed that the President had personally extended the gesture after delivering his speech earlier in the day.
“I would love to extend, as instructed by His Excellency, the gesture wholeheartedly to host you members for a cocktail party at State House at the rise of the Assembly,” Ng’ondi announced, prompting loud cheers and applause from Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
The Speaker further directed members to adhere to protocol by wearing their identification tags to facilitate seamless access and recognition at the high-level event.
“Kindly make sure you wear your tags for easy identification,” he added shortly before adjourning the House.
Historic First and Political Undertones
The invitation came on the same day President Ruto made history by becoming the first sitting Head of State to formally address a county assembly since the introduction of devolution under the Government of Kenya system 16 years ago.
His address was met with an energetic reception, with MCAs repeatedly chanting slogans closely associated with his political messaging. Cries of “Tutam” and “Singapore” rang out across the chamber, often interrupting the President’s speech.
The “Tutam” chant — widely understood as shorthand for “two terms” — signals support for Ruto’s anticipated 2027 re-election bid, while “Singapore” references his long-standing vision of transforming Kenya into a developed, first-world economy, mirroring the rapid rise of Singapore.
Strengthening National–County Ties
During his address, Ruto emphasised the importance of collaboration between national and county governments, particularly in managing the capital.
“The cooperation between the national and county governments is the only viable path to effectively run this city,” the President stated, underlining his administration’s push for unified governance.
The subsequent State House reception is widely viewed as part of broader efforts to foster closer working relationships between the executive and devolved units outside formal legislative frameworks.
Shock Revelation on State House Structures
However, it was Ruto’s unexpected disclosure regarding developments at State House that drew significant attention.
The President revealed that sections of the historic residence are set to be demolished in the coming weeks after findings indicated that parts of the structure had been built on riparian land — an environmentally protected zone.
The announcement is likely to spark debate over compliance with environmental regulations, even within the country’s most secure and symbolic government premises.
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Ruto Stuns MCAs with State House Invite After ‘Tutam’ Chants and Shocking State House Revelation