A young boy named after President William Ruto is pleading for a transfer to another school after becoming the target of ridicule from classmates who have turned his name into a political slogan.
His mother, Naomi Diana, says her son has repeatedly asked her to either change his name or move him to a different school following months of bullying by fellow pupils.
The boy was born in 2022, shortly after President Ruto won the General Election. Inspired by the victory, Ms Diana named her son William Ruto, joining scores of parents across the country who named their children after political leaders and significant national events.
Four years later, however, the name has become a source of anguish.
"Whenever he comes home from school, he tells me other children call him 'Ruto Must Go' and 'Wantam'. He tells me, 'Mum, I do not want to continue studying there. Please change my name or take me to another school,'" Ms Diana said.
The distressed mother says the taunts have become more frequent as political slogans directed at the President gain traction across the country.
The phrase "Wantam", a corruption of "one term", has become a rallying call among some of President Ruto's critics who argue that his administration has failed to address the high cost of living, unemployment and heavy taxation. Opposition leaders and sections of the public have also criticised the government over governance issues, corruption allegations and its handling of anti-government protests.
The President's supporters, however, have defended his administration, pointing to infrastructure projects, economic reforms and efforts to stabilise the economy.
Caught in the middle of the political contest is the young pupil, whose mother says he has become the subject of jokes and insults because he shares a name with the Head of State.
"I need security for myself and my son. I am surprised that it has become a crime to name your child Ruto," she said.
Despite the difficulties, Ms Diana insists she has no plans to change her son's name.
"I cannot change the name because I love Ruto," she added.
The mother has reported the matter to school authorities and is seeking intervention to stop the bullying.
She hopes teachers, parents and pupils can be sensitised on the effects of harassment and discrimination, arguing that children should not be subjected to ridicule because of decisions made by their parents.
The incident highlights the extent to which Kenya's increasingly polarised political discourse is filtering into schools, where children often mirror conversations taking place at home and in the wider society.
