President William Ruto brought an unexpected moment of humor to an otherwise formal judiciary event on Wednesday, playfully scolding the audience at State House, Nairobi, for being “very mean with their applause.”
The lighthearted reprimand came during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed judges—an occasion typically characterized by solemn addresses, legal protocols, and calls for judicial independence. But as Ruto paused mid-speech, he could no longer hide his amusement at the subdued response from the crowd.
“I was wondering at some point why the people who came here are very mean with their applause,” the President said, turning to face the guests directly.
His remark immediately drew laughter from the audience, breaking the stiff atmosphere that had prevailed for much of the event. The guests, who included family members, friends, and legal professionals, responded with more enthusiastic clapping afterward.
Ruto, who was presiding over the ceremony, appeared genuinely surprised that the relatives of the newly sworn-in judges were not more exuberant in celebrating the milestone. The judges had undergone a rigorous vetting process before their appointment, making the occasion a significant professional achievement.
The President’s comments, though delivered in jest, underscored the contrast between the celebratory nature of a swearing-in and the restrained demeanor often observed at state functions. Many Kenyans on social media later praised Ruto for humanizing the formal proceedings, with some noting that the audience likely needed “permission” to clap loudly in such an official setting.
Beyond the humorous interruption, the ceremony carried serious undertones. Ruto used part of his address to emphasize the need for judicial reforms and to call for greater efficiency in the country’s legal system. He reminded the new judges of their responsibility to uphold the constitution without fear or favor.
But it was the applause moment that stood out, giving the event a rare touch of levity. As one attendee later remarked, “Sometimes we forget that even presidents notice when the energy in the room is low.”
By the time Ruto resumed his speech, the crowd had warmed up—clapping more freely, laughing more openly, and turning a stiff ceremony into one of the more memorable judicial events of the year.
