PLO Lumumba: ‘Wantam’ Alone Is Not a Presidential Agenda

PLO Lumumba has questioned presidential aspirants whose campaigns are largely centred on removing President William Ruto after one term, arguing that the “Wantam” message alone does not amount to a clear plan for governing Kenya.

The constitutional lawyer and public intellectual said presidential candidates should move beyond political slogans and explain what they intend to do for the country if elected.

Lumumba questions “Wantam” politics

Lumumba criticised what he described as a political culture dominated by ethnic mobilisation and the movement of political leaders from one alliance to another.

He argued that telling Kenyans that a candidate will remove Ruto after one term does not adequately explain why that candidate deserves their support or what they would do once in office.

According to Lumumba, presidential aspirants should present concrete programmes addressing the country’s development challenges instead of relying primarily on opposition to the incumbent.

He questioned what a “Wantam” campaign would mean beyond changing the occupant of State House.

Call for clear presidential programmes

Lumumba said presidential contenders should clearly outline their positions on major national issues, including infrastructure, education and economic development.

He argued that voters should be presented with ideas and programmes that explain how candidates intend to improve the country rather than campaigns built around ethnic identities or political succession.

The lawyer’s remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several opposition figures positioning themselves for the presidency.

The “Wantam” slogan has become prominent among groups calling for Ruto to serve only one term, but Lumumba’s comments shift attention towards what candidates would offer beyond the objective of defeating the incumbent.

Moving beyond ethnic mobilisation

Lumumba also criticised the continued reliance on ethnic mobilisation in Kenyan politics.

He argued that the country’s political contests have repeatedly revolved around alliances between influential figures and communities rather than detailed policy programmes.

He described this pattern as a form of “musical chairs”, where political leaders and alliances change positions while the underlying approach to politics remains largely the same.

For Lumumba, the 2027 contest should instead give Kenyans an opportunity to assess competing ideas on national development.

He suggested that presidential aspirants should explain how they would address infrastructure needs, improve education and pursue broader economic and social development.