El Chapo: Why President Ruto’s Chapati Machine Promise is Trending
President William Ruto has found himself at the center of online buzz, earning the unexpected nickname “El Chapo”a play on the infamous Mexican drug lord’s name. But this trend has nothing to do with crime or cartels. Instead, it stems from his latest promise: buying a chapati-making machine for Nairobi’s school feeding program.
How It All Started
During his development tour of Nairobi, President Ruto made a stop at St. Teresa Girls Secondary School in Mathare. It was here that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja asked the President to support an initiative to introduce mass chapati production for the city’s “Dishi Na County” school feeding program. This came after students excitedly expressed their love for chapatis and their desire to see them added to their daily menu.
Without hesitation, Ruto accepted the request, confidently declaring, “I have agreed to buy a chapati-making machine. Governor, your work is now finding where to buy it.” His promise was met with cheers from students, but outside the school, Kenyans were far less enthusiastic.
The Backlash: A Case of Misplaced Priorities?
Social media erupted in reaction to the pledge. Critics questioned why a chapati-making machine had become a priority when the country is grappling with more pressing issues like high food prices, unemployment, and healthcare challenges. Many argued that ensuring consistent access to basic meals should come before introducing specialty foods like chapatis into the school menu.
Beyond that, Kenyans were quick to highlight Ruto’s trend of grandiose promises that often don’t align with the immediate needs of citizens. The online space was flooded with memes and commentary, many calling him out for diverting attention from real economic hardships with symbolic gestures.
“El Chapo” Trend: A Symbol of Extravagant Promises
The nickname El Chapo quickly gained traction, with netizens using it to mock what they saw as a flashy but shallow promise. In this case, “Chapo” wasn’t about cartels but rather chapatis, and the name stuck as a satirical take on the President’s pledge. The joke resonated widely, turning the discussion from a serious policy debate into a viral sensation.
What Next?
While the President’s promise may have thrilled the students in Mathare, the broader conversation remains: Should the government focus on symbolic projects, or should it tackle fundamental systemic issues first? As the “El Chapo” trend continues to dominate discussions, it’s clear that Kenyans expect more than just chapo-sized solutions to the country’s challenges.
