“Niweke Mawe?”-Ruto Uses Sheng to Charm Young Voters During Nairobi Tour

President William Ruto made headlines on Wednesday, February 18, for speaking Sheng during his tour of Nairobi. The vibrant urban slang had the crowd laughing and cheering. Clips of his speech quickly spread across social media, sparking lively discussion among young Kenyans.

Sheng blends Swahili, English, and words from local languages like Kikuyu, Luo, and Kamba. It began in the 1960s and 1970s as a secret code among youth. Today, it dominates street talk, music, and social media. Ruto’s use of Sheng was seen as a way to directly appeal to youthful voters while discussing city development projects.

During the tour, Ruto inspected projects under the Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme. He emphasized collaboration between national and county governments. “We are creating a modern, functional, and liveable city,” he said. He also highlighted environmental responsibility, security, and order as key priorities.

The president addressed residents at Dandora Bridge in Embakasi from his vehicle’s sunroof. He engaged the crowd using popular Sheng phrases. “Ati nipange kichele?” he asked, meaning “should I organise some money?” The residents responded enthusiastically. He continued with “Niweke mawe?” asking how he should distribute the funds. He even mentioned local personalities, saying, “Who should I organise with? Should I do it with Jalang’o?”

Ruto went further with “Wapi top shota ya rais?” — a greeting that praises someone exceptional. He ended by asking, “Are we together?” The crowd responded with cheers, showing strong engagement.

Social media reactions were mixed but largely amused. Many praised Ruto for speaking in a language that resonates with young people. Others noted the playful tone and the president’s effort to be relatable.

Ruto’s use of Sheng shows a shift in political communication. Leaders are increasingly adopting local slang to connect with citizens. His tour combined serious development messaging with culturally relevant communication. It highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects while building rapport with the youth.

By blending policy updates and playful language, Ruto made his message memorable. The tour emphasized modernization, youth engagement, and approachable leadership in Nairobi.