President William Ruto has vowed to remain firm in his decision-making despite facing criticism.
Speaking in Tokyo on Wednesday, the President said despite being called various names back home he will stand by his firm decisions to put the country on the right path.
"I don't mind people calling me names. I will continue to do the right thing for our country irrespective of the names people call me including Zakayo," Ruto said.
The Head of State added that when you do the right thing, your conscience is clear.
In May 2023, the name Zakayo surfaced on social platforms in the wake of new tax proposals made by the Ruto-led administration.
They likened Ruto to Zacchaeus (Zakayo in Swahili), who climbed the Sycamore tree to see Jesus, according to the Bible.
In the Bible, specifically the New Testament, Zacchaeus was a tax collector in the city of Jericho.
He was hated by the Jews because they felt he was keeping their money for himself.
The President seems to have embraced the nickname; 'Zakayo'.
Last month, Ruto said he was ready to face criticism on taxes rather than letting the country sink into debt.
The President said he will do all he can to create employment through the Affordable Housing Scheme.
Ruto said he has no problem being referred to as Zakayo adding that it is better than letting the country sink into debt.
"Nikasema tulipe Housing Levy, watu wakasema ya kwamba naleta mambo ya 'Zakayo'. Heri mimi nikuwe 'Zakayo' lakini hawa vijana wapate ajira, heri niitwe 'Zakayo' na Kenya issingie kwa madeni," he said.
(I said we pay the Housing Levy but people said that I'm becoming the Biblical Zaccheus 'Zakayo'. It is better to be Zakayo and the youths get employment. It is better to be 'Zakayo' than let Kenya sink into debt).