Christina Shusho, a revered gospel artist from East Africa, has set tongues wagging in Kenya with a sneak peek of her latest track, “Zakayo.” In her soul-stirring Swahili lyrics, Shusho sings, “There was a man named Zakayo, the chief of tax collectors and a wealthy man. He sought to see what kind of person Jesus was…”

Given Shusho’s significant fan base in Kenya, the teaser sparked playful speculation. Some even cheekily wondered if the song alluded to Kenya’s President, William Ruto. 

Some Kenyans humorously liken President Ruto to Zakayo—the Swahili version of Zacchaeus from biblical tales. Zacchaeus is known as a tax collector from the Bible who, out of curiosity, climbed a tree to catch sight of Jesus.

President Ruto’s fiscal policies have earned him the nickname “Zakayo” among the populace. Since taking office in August 2022, he’s introduced and hiked various taxes. This has led to a decline in his popularity, especially among Kenyans who feel he’s strayed from his pledge to prioritise the welfare of “hustlers”—the hardworking individuals facing financial challenges.