Muisyo Myles- September 29, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya
As Kenya’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 general elections, the viral “Tutam vs Wantam” chants have become the order of the day. “Tutam,” shorthand for “Tumeamka” (we have woken up), symbolizes pro-government optimism, while “Wantam” rallies those demanding change, often tied to ODM leader Raila Odinga’s camp. No platform captures this raw energy like Oga Obinna’s live show, where unfiltered debates turn into national spectacles. In a recent episode, fiery Luo musician and activist Nuru Okanga (fiercely Wantam) squared off against pro-Ruto commentator Asamba (unwavering Tutam), dissecting everything from affordable housing to stadium scandals.
Nuru Okanga’s Grassroots Vision
Nuru Okanga kicked off the debate by unveiling his bold plans for the 2027 Nairobi MCA race. “Saa zingine unapigiwa na watu wanasema wewe ni mheshimiwa tusaidie. Mtoto amefukuzwa shule mtu ameshindwa kulipa bill ya hospitali namsaidia,” he shared candidly with host Oga Obinna. For Nuru, politics isn’t about power plays – it’s personal. His commitment to bailing out families from school expulsions and hospital debts underscores a Wantam ethos rooted in empathy over elite maneuvering.
But Nuru didn’t hold back on the current Nairobi leadership under Governor Johnson Sakaja. Slamming the reliance on “goons” for muscle, he warned, “Wengi wanaamini uongozi hulindwa na goons watu wapigwe. Next election inakuja hatutaki kuchagua goons.” It’s a direct shot at the violence-tainted governance that’s become all too familiar in the city, echoing broader Wantam frustrations with Ruto’s allies.
Asamba’s Kakamega Cheer
Asamba brought the Tutam fire, painting a picture of progress in Western Kenya. Reflecting on Kakamega’s transformation, he declared, “Nimekuwa Kakamega as compared to the previous years. Kakamega inaoza. Na tusipochunga tutarudisha mtu kama huyo tu.” His narrative? A county on the rise, thanks to Ruto’s investments – and a stark reminder not to revert to the “old guard” he implies plagued the region before.
Asamba’s loyalty to Tutam shines through his laundry list of government wins. He hailed the employment of 76,000 teachers, infrastructure upgrades like the revamped Kasarani Stadium, the Affordable Housing Program’s job creation push, and agricultural boosts ensuring “less than 6 percent of Kenyans only don’t have food.” On the contentious Talanta Hela Stadium in Kakamega, Asamba acknowledged cost debates but stood firm: “As much as we have the infrastructure with us we can discuss about the cost but the fact remains that the stadium is in place. As we speak the Stadium is almost complete.”
Crossfire on Broad-Based Government
The debate ignited when Nuru unloaded on the ODM-Ruto broad-based government pact. “Wakati wa ODM tuliteseka sana. Mimi niko na kesi kortini kwa sababu ya ODM. Hii ni government ya kwanza kutaka kuua watu na 18 bullets,” he fumed, alluding to alleged protest crackdowns. For Nuru, the alliance feels like a betrayal – ODM’s glory days under Raila are gone, replaced by a regime he accuses of targeting dissenters.
Asamba fired back, mocking ODM’s post-pact struggles. “ODM has been banking on people. Saa hii unasikia Raila amemeet ambassador from different countries. They’ve been riding on the fame of Raila saa hii wanalia juu hawana content.” It’s classic Tutam: Frame the opposition as fame-hungry relics, while the government delivers tangible gains.
The Uncrossable Line
What keeps Nuru glued to Wantam? A laundry list of Ruto-era gripes. He reminisced about Uhuru Kenyatta’s era: “Wakati wa Uhuru Kenyatta affordable housing ilikuwa imeanzishwa. Wakati wa Uhuru Kenyatta hakuna mtu alikatwa pesa za affordable housing.” The Linda Mama maternal health program? Axed. Free NHIF hospital exits? Replaced by the criticized SHA. “Kulikuwa na Linda mama yenye ilikuwa inasaidia wamama saa hii hakuna. Ungelipa NHIF na uende hospitali na utoke bila kulipa kitu saa hii ni SHA yenye hakuna.”
Nuru’s defection demands are non-negotiable: “Ruto arudishe mfumo wa wamama kuzaa. Ruto aache uceleb mwingi.” Restore maternal support systems, ditch the endless celebrations – or no deal.
As Kenya’s Tutam-Wantam fever grips social media and funerals alike – from Kisii clashes to Nandi defections – this Obinna Show showdown cements the divide. With 2027 looming, voices like Nuru and Asamba aren’t just debating; they’re rallying tribes. Will Tutam’s infrastructure dreams sway the youth, or will Wantam’s calls for justice echo louder? One thing’s clear: The chants won’t fade anytime soon.
