Urembo ni temporary: Ruto jokes with UDA aspirants crushing on leaders
By Charles Ouma, February 4, 2026President William Ruto met United Democratic Alliance aspirants at State House on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
The event was attended by more than 12,000 aspirants and was addressed by both the president and his deputy, among other celebrities, including Jaymo Ule Msee, who recently announced his political comeback.
Ruto delivered a fiery speech in which he outlined what his administration has done for the country and outlined his vision while also urging the aspirants to be the party’s ambassadors and spread the same.
The event was also characterised by light moments, with the president sending the crowd into laughter.
Ruto jokes with UDA aspirants
While rooting for the aspirants to thoroughly understand the party’s principles and ideals, the Head of State cautioned those who may be attracted to the party for other reasons to rethink.
“Mimi nimewaambiakwa nini ukuwe mwanachama wa UDA, ni nini agenda ya UDA. Usikuwe tu mwanachama wa chama kwa sababu ya kabila ama uneskia au kuona mtu mrembo ama umeona mtu handsome-no,” the president said.
This loosely translates to: “I have explained why you should be a member of UDA as well as the party’s agenda. Do not be a member of a political party because of tribe or because you have spotted a beautiful or handsome person, no.”
He further told the crowd that such physical attributes fade while the party’s ideals should stand for generations.
“Nyinyi mnanielewa, urembo ni temporary, ama namna gani (Are you understanding me, beauty is temporary, isn’t it?) Ruto added to emphasise his point.
The president urged the aspirants to anchor their political ambitions in the party’s ideals and commitment to transform Kenya, saying that the political landscape has shifted significantly.
Notable aspirants & celebrities who attended the meeting
Notable personalities and politicians eyeing the UDA party ticket attended the meeting as they prepare to battle it out for the party ticket, with those successful facing off with candidates from other parties in the 2027 general election.
Former Cabinet Secretary and Chama cha Kazi (CCK) party leader Moses Kuria and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi were among those in attendance.
Party diehard Emmanuel Kipkirui, who trekked from Baringo to Nairobi while pushing a wheelbarrow, met Ruto earlier in the day and attended the meeting.
Others are comedian and content creator Wilson Muirani Gathoni, popularly known as Jaymo Ule Mse,e who has expressed interest in the Nairobi Senate seat and Jasper Muthomi, popularly known as MC Jessy.