‘Wantam’ Chants Rock Nairobi City Marathon
What started as a normal sporting event in Nairobi turned political on Sunday, June 30 when a section of runners at the Nairobi City Marathon began chanting anti-government slogans at President Ruto. The unexpected protest, just a day before the Saba Saba demos, has further revealed the underlying political tension in Kenya.
The 4th edition of the Nairobi City Marathon meant to showcase Nairobi’s urban beauty, promote physical fitness and reward athletic excellence was disrupted when participants started chanting slogans like “Wantam” which has become a symbol of dissatisfaction with the current government.
Eyewitness videos shared widely on social media and published by flashnews.co.ke show athletes in pink jerseys raising their hands and chanting as police officers looked on. The impromptu protest was done in cold weather and seemed to mirror the national mood ahead of the demos on Monday, July 1.
Although the marathon was supposed to be apolitical, the runners have added to the national conversation, with many Kenyans online resharing the videos and telling the government to prepare for chaos. The protest is a reflection of the growing frustration among citizens as economic challenges and governance issues continue to dominate the conversation.
As of this report, no statement has been released by the event organizers or government regarding the chants. But political analysts say such public displays of dissent in previously neutral spaces show the public is willing to express political grievances openly.
Marathon Results:
Despite the politics, the marathon went on. Benson Murkomen Tunyo won the men’s race in 2:08:37, just 59 seconds off the course record. Emily Chepkemoi was the women’s champion in 2:25:52 and took home the Ksh3.5 million top prize.
Murkomen’s win was an improvement from his 8th place finish in 2023 while Justus Limo and Kangogo Albert finished 2nd and 3rd in 2:08:47 and 2:09:06 respectively.
As Kenya prepares for the Saba Saba demos on July 1, the political protest at the Nairobi City Marathon shows a growing convergence of civic expression and public events. The authorities are yet to respond but the scenes from Sunday suggest a nation that is willing to speak out even in unexpected places.
Also Read: Planned Saba Saba Protests Could Harm Economy, Trade Ministry Warns
‘Wantam’ Chants Rock Nairobi City Marathon