Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua surprised revelers at a local club with a live phone call during a DJ Dibul set.
In a video clip that has since gone viral, Gachagua is heard greeting Gen Zs at the club and leading them in his popular “wantam” chant.
“Hi, cousins,” he began, prompting the crowd to shout back “hi.”
He continued, “Mumesalimiwa sana hapa na watu ya America, na hapa wanasema ‘wantam’. Hapo mnasemaje? Ati mnasemaje? Mnasema wantam?”
The crowd echoed back enthusiastically, chanting “wantam.”
Gachagua, who is currently in the U.S. for a diaspora visit, explained the purpose of his trip, “Mimi nawapenda sana. Niko hapa America nmekuja kutafuta macousins wetu.”
He closed his call with a heartfelt appeal to Gen Z back home: “Mtajunga nyumbani? Mimi nawapenda, nawatambua sana. Mshikilie nyumbani mpaka nirudi. Sindio? Asanti sana, magen Z.”
His message came shortly after leading several local rallies across Kenya, popularizing the “wantam” slogan — shorthand for “one term,” signaling that the current regime should not serve beyond its first term.
Gachagua has taken the chant abroad, energizing crowds during his ongoing tour of the U.S., including at the inaugural Ngemi Cia Ruraya Cultural Festival in Seattle, Washington State.
“Hapa America mnasemaje?” he asked the jubilant audience, which roared back, “wantam!”
“Mimi ninasema, no term! Ni kwa sababu, how many more must die so that Ruto finishes one term?” Karua posed to the crowd.
Gachagua was joined by People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, who both used the platform to critique the current administration.
The duo addressed a large gathering at Saghalie Park, where the atmosphere was festive and culturally rich.
The event drew hundreds eager to reconnect with their heritage through music, food, and traditional performances.