Speaking at the pre-wedding of Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang in Kitale on Saturday, November 1, the president expressed concern over the growing aversion to marriage among the current generation.
He observed that many young people are engaging in superficial relationships without the intention of marriage, accusing them of wasting each other’s time.
Ruto affirmed that marriage is a vital institution that the youth should embrace.
The president criticized the prevailing trend in which marriage and those who choose it are ridiculed by individuals opposed to the institution.
According to him, getting married is essential as it reflects responsibility and the desire to sustain future generations.
"I want to encourage all other young people that it's good to get married, it's good to find a family. Many people run away from responsibility, and they want to pretend that it is fashionable. It is not. Many young people, many young men, do not want responsibility. They want to enjoy stuff, but they don't want responsibility. That isn't correct," he said.
The president urged young men to rise to the occasion and take on the responsibilities of establishing their own households.
He condemned the behavior of men who pursue romantic relationships solely for short-term pleasure at the expense of long-term commitment.
"Let everybody be responsible. If you are man enough, you must be man enough to be responsible. The woman you love, marry her. Otherwise, stop wasting people's time. And I'm not being a woman advocate. I am being a parent because I am a father of girls also. So, the same thing I tell my sons is the same thing I will tell my daughters. Please, let all of us know that there is nothing fashionable about being irresponsible," he said.
Chesang is engaged to Chanelle Kittony, who works in the Trans Nzoia County government as the County Executive Member for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure.
She is the daughter of business mogul and Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) chairman Kiprono Kittony.
Besides Ruto, other high-ranking guests in attendance included National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, Treasury PS Chris Kiptto, and Immigration PS Belio Kipsang.
