The unexpected gesture unfolded during the ODM Founders’ Dinner, where Ruto was the chief guest amid shifting political alliances and renewed dialogue between Kenya Kwanza and ODM.
The hall erupted in laughter and excitement when the DJ attempted to blend the upbeat track with another tune. President Ruto, showing an unusual but refreshing sense of humour, quickly grabbed the microphone and exclaimed, “DJ, hapana leta machanganyiko!” The crowd roared in approval as the DJ reset the track, allowing the song to play uninterrupted.
Moments later, Ruto stepped forward, clapped to the rhythm, and encouraged the crowd to join him.
ODM supporters some initially stunned rose to their feet, waving napkins and ululating as the President moved in sync with the familiar campaign anthem that once energized Raila’s presidential bid.
His presence on the dance floor symbolized a rare moment of political détente that many in attendance described as “historic” and “unexpectedly heartwarming.”
Analysts note that the gesture was not merely entertainment. It signaled Ruto’s continued efforts to court ODM’s rank and file while reinforcing the emerging spirit of cooperation between the two camps following months of political realignment.
For many ODM members, the President’s willingness to celebrate their party’s history using Raila’s own soundtrack was a powerful message of reconciliation.
By the end of the evening, the video of Ruto dancing had already gone viral, drawing commentary from across the political divide.
Whether seen as charm, strategy, or symbolism, one thing was clear: for a few minutes, the dinner was united not by politics, but by music.
