President William Ruto/SCREENGRABPresident William Ruto had teachers and professionals in stitches during the Waalimu na Rais Forum at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, blending humour with lessons on leadership and success. His Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, was also present.
Ndugu walimu hamjambo, walimu hoiye, Bwana Yesu asifiwe, huyu naibiuu wangu mnamuona aje? ni noma si noma, ni fire si sire.
Speaking to the audience, Ruto offered a humorous take on leadership:
"Unajua ukitaka kufaulu, unatafuta deputy amesoma kuliko wewe. (If you want to succeed, you put people around you who are more intelligent than you.) Saa hile wanakusaidia kushine, you take the credit, wao ndio wanafanya job. (At that moment, they help you shine; you take the credit, but they’re the ones doing the work.)"
The audience laughed as Kindiki joined in, smiling at the lighthearted jab.
Ruto also hinted at lessons from past experiences without naming names, eliciting bursts of laughter from the crowd:
"Nlikua na mwingine alikua analalamika hajasoma… nikaona ataniangusha."
The forum, dubbed Waalimu na Rais, provided a platform for teachers to engage directly with the Head of State, share concerns, and discuss matters affecting the education sector.
Ruto then shared a personal anecdote involving his wife, Rachel Ruto, to connect the discussion to the teaching profession.
"Nawaletea salamu kutoka my former girlfriend, ambaye ni roommate wangu, now my wife, ambaye ni mwalimu kama nyinyi, amenikumbusha nilete salamu kwenu, and she told me the lesson plan starts from the known……to the unknown," he said.
(I bring greetings from my former girlfriend, who was my roommate and is now my wife, a teacher like you. She reminded me to bring greetings to you.)
The audience, delighted by the story, joined in to finish the line, creating a moment of laughter and camaraderie in the hall.
The President acknowledged that it was the first time he was hosting such a forum for teachers in that setting, describing the moment as historic.
He praised teachers for their service and commitment, noting that they often sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of their students.
“Teachers have a lot of responsibility to educate our children, and have not had a chance to come to State House. Because of the respect you gave me by taking time off your work and finding a chance to visit me, I don’t take it for granted. I say thank you. If you find another chance, you can come visit me,” Ruto said.
He went on to hail teachers as unsung heroes whose dedication shapes the foundation of society.
