Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed the unexpected origin of his now-famous political slogan, “noma si noma, fire si fire.”

Speaking during an official event in Mombasa on September 17, 2025, Kindiki admitted that part of the phrase wasn’t his own invention.

“I have to confess that this ‘noma si noma’ belongs to my brother, Hassan Joho,” said Kindiki.

The phrase, which roughly translates to “trouble is no trouble, fire is no fire,” has become a staple at Kindiki’s rallies and is now a popular chant among supporters.

The Deputy President joked that he and Cabinet Secretary for Mining Ali Hassan Joho had struck a light-hearted agreement on how to share the slogan.

“We have agreed, Joho will use the ‘noma si noma’, and I’ll stick with the ‘fire si fire’ part,” said Kindiki, to laughs from the crowd.

The exchange happened during the launch of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, officiated by President William Ruto.

Kindiki used the platform to emphasise growing political alignment between the Coast region and the Kenya Kwanza government.

He noted that most Coast leaders are now supporting Ruto’s development agenda.

Joho backs government projects

Former Mombasa Governor and now CS for Mining, Hassan Joho, praised the government’s development agenda in the coastal region and urged locals to support the administration.

“Development is happening — and the Coast must be part of the journey ahead,” said Joho.

Joho’s remarks marked a notable shift, given his previous alignment with the opposition.

A symbol of unity

The shared slogan between Kindiki and Joho is more than a soundbite — it’s become a symbol of a new, more collaborative chapter in Kenyan politics.

What began as street slang is now a viral political chant, a symbol of cross-party unity and a tool for public mobilization.

Written by Erastus Omondi, TV47