Food Vendor Breaks Down After Customers Allegedly Boycott Her Over ‘Tutam’ Remarks

A female food vendor has sparked debate online after a video showing her crying over unsold food went viral, with claims that customers had deserted her business following her public support for the “Tutam” political slogan associated with President William Ruto.

The clip, published on TikTok by Kokos TV Kenya, shows the distressed vendor surrounded by trays of untouched food as she questions what she would do with the remaining stock.

In the video, the woman laments what she perceives as a lack of freedom of expression in Kenya, pleading with customers while listing the food she had prepared.

“Wanakataa kukula chakula zangu juu tu ya kusema tutam. Saa hizi zote nitapeleka wapi hizi zote samosa, kuna bajia, kuna chipo mandazi zote nitapeleka wapi,” she said.

Her remarks suggest that she believes her political views have affected her business, although the circumstances surrounding the alleged boycott were not independently established.

Social media users react to vendor’s distress

The video triggered mixed reactions, with several TikTok users criticising the decision to mix political positions with business while others suggested alternative ways to dispose of the unsold food.

User suzymaguta offered a blunt warning, writing:

“Never bring politics in your business.”

Another commenter, identified as “We live once”, whose comment attracted 8,211 likes, suggested that the vendor take the food to workers involved in affordable housing construction.

“Pelekea mafundi wa affordable housing,” the user wrote.

BOSS similarly suggested that she take the food to the Obinna Show, a programme associated with media personality Oga Obinna.

“Peleka Obinna show,” the commenter said.

Some users vow to avoid the business

Other users appeared unmoved by the vendor’s distress, with some expressing a desire to identify her location so they could avoid the establishment.

Karuiru Maina wrote:

“Pole sana mamaa uko wapi ndio hata mimi niavoid hiyo place.”

Another commenter, Swings mauno 254, suggested that she take the food to State House Road.

“Peleka state house road,” the user wrote.

The reactions highlighted the intensity of political disagreements online, with some users appearing to view consumer choices as a way of expressing their political positions.

Debate shifts to political support and economic boycotts

Some commenters used the incident to question the strength of support for the government among those associated with the “Tutam” slogan.

“Si naskia nyinyi ni silent majority. Kwani hawakuji kudishi in silence?” user Savannah K.K. asked.

Bakhita Nuchal praised the customers who allegedly declined to buy the food, writing: “Wenye walikataa, you have a special place in my heart.”

Brayo RN suggested that the incident could inspire similar consumer actions in the future.

“Inakaa ni content unatengeneza but umetupea idea how we should actually be doing things henceforth,” the user commented.

The incident has reignited debate over the intersection of politics and business, particularly whether consumers should separate a business owner’s political views from the products or services they offer.