In September 2015, President William Ruto made a visit to Madre Ippolata Children's Home in Machakos County after receiving an invitation to help the institution ran by Catholic nuns raise funds to sustain its operations.
The visit took an emotional turn when President Ruto had the story of a young baby who was rescued by the nuns after she was buried alive and abandoned.
Ruto was touched by the heartbreaking story and decided to adopt and make the young girl part of his family, adding that he decided to name her Nadia Cherono after his mother.
"The story of Nadia who was found buried with her body partly decomposing & abandoned as a new born, and has been under the care of Sisters at Madre Ippolata Children's Home touched my heart. I've named her Cherono after my mother and made her part of my family," he said.
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File image of President Ruto and Nadia Cherono. [Photo: Courtesy]
Following the adoption, Nadia would occasionally make public appearances with Ruto, but her appearances did not elicit much buzz until she accompanied the president to the 2024 World Rally Championships in Naivasha.
At the rally, the President was captured holding Nadia's hand as they walked around the rally venue in a rare show of affection.
File image of President Ruto, Nadia Cherono and other guests at 2024 WRC in Naivasha. [Photo: Courtesy]
Days after the rally, Nadia accompanied the Head of State and First Lady Rachel Ruto for a state visit to Ghana, after which they will proceed to Guinea-Bissau.
Nadia Cherono when she accompanied President Ruto to Ghana. [Photo: Courtesy]
From the recent photos, the now-grown Nadia appears to be reserved and prefers a simple casual look.
