A mother is living with deep regret after what was once a proud decision turned into a painful daily struggle for her young son. The woman, who named her son William Ruto shortly after the 2022 presidential election, says the name has become a source of constant bullying and emotional torment at school
Like many parents inspired by major national events and influential leaders, she chose the name to celebrate the victory of President William Ruto. At the time, it seemed like a meaningful tribute and a name she believed her son would carry with pride.
However, four years later, the reality has been far different.
According to the distressed mother, her son has become the target of relentless teasing from fellow pupils, who have turned his name into a tool for mockery. Classmates allegedly chant political slogans and nicknames at him during school breaks, leaving the young boy embarrassed and emotionally drained.
“Every time he comes home from school, he is upset,” the mother revealed. “He tells me that other children keep calling him names such as ‘Ruto Must Go’ and ‘Wantam.’ They laugh at him and make him feel uncomfortable. Recently, he begged me to either change his name or transfer him to another school.”
The boy’s repeated pleas have left the mother heartbroken. What was intended as a symbol of admiration has now become a burden her son carries every day.
The woman says the situation has escalated over the years as political conversations and slogans became more common in public spaces. Unfortunately, those same slogans have found their way into the school environment, where children use them without fully understanding the impact they have on their classmate.
Beyond the emotional pain, the mother fears for her son’s well-being and says the constant verbal attacks have created a sense of insecurity for both of them.
“I never imagined that naming my child Ruto would become a problem,” she said. “People are making it look like it is a crime. I need protection for myself and my son because the situation is becoming unbearable.”
Despite the challenges, she remains firm in her decision and insists she has no intention of changing her son’s name. She says the name was chosen out of admiration and love, and she still stands by that choice.
“I love Ruto, and that is why I named my son after him. I cannot change his name,” she declared.
Determined to find a solution, the mother has now reported the matter to the school’s administration. She hopes teachers, parents, and fellow pupils can work together to end the bullying and create a safer learning environment for her son.
As the debate continues, the story has sparked widespread discussion online, with many Kenyans weighing in on whether children should bear the consequences of political rivalries. For one young boy, however, the issue is not about politics—it is about wanting to attend school without fear of ridicule simply because of the name he was given at birth.
