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President William Ruto brought energy and laughter to the Waalimu na Rais Forum at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, delivering a lively and humorous address to over 10,000 teachers while sharing lessons on leadership and success. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was also in attendance.
Opening with spirited greetings in Kiswahili, Ruto joked:
“Ndugu walimu hamjambo, walimu hoiye… huyu naibu wangu mnamuona aje? Ni noma si noma, ni fire si fire!”—prompting cheers and laughter from the crowd.
Ruto playfully advised that strong leadership means surrounding oneself with smarter people:
“If you want to succeed, appoint a deputy who is more educated than you. When they make you shine, you take the credit—they do the heavy lifting,” he quipped, drawing more laughs as Kindiki smiled at the remark.
The President made light references to past political partnerships without naming individuals:
“There was someone who kept complaining they weren’t educated… I realized they might bring me down.”
The subtle jab had the audience laughing again.
Ruto also brought a personal touch by mentioning his wife, Rachel Ruto, a teacher by profession:
“I bring greetings from my former girlfriend, my roommate—now my wife—who is also a teacher like you. She reminded me to greet you and told me, ‘the lesson plan starts from the known to the unknown.’”
The teachers warmly joined in to finish the line, creating a shared, joyful moment.
Marking the occasion as the first such gathering at State House, Ruto expressed gratitude and admiration for teachers, recognizing their vital role in shaping Kenya’s future.
“You often sacrifice your own comfort for your students. I truly appreciate you for coming here. If you get another chance, please come visit me again,” he said.
He concluded by calling teachers the unsung heroes of the nation, whose commitment forms the backbone of the country’s development.
