The country's who's who gathered in Intonna Farm, Kilgoris, in Narok County, on Saturday, August 8, to witness the traditional engagement of Charlene Ruto, President William Ruto's daughter.
Traditionally known as Koito, the ceremony serves as the formal union of the bride’s and groom’s families, encompassing dowry negotiations, the presentation of gifts, and a symbolic farewell as the bride leaves her ancestral home.
Reports indicate that Charlene will be betrothed to Isaiah Yunke, a Tanzanian technology entrepreneur.
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Yunke, distinguished as a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alumnus and recipient of the Queen’s Young Leaders Award, maintained a largely private relationship with Charlene until the wedding announcement.
Given Charlene’s stature as the daughter of the president, the occasion, as anticipated, attracted a high‑profile guest list, adding weight and prominence to the celebration.
Ranking government officials and political leaders were in attendance, with a majority honouring the day's dressing theme with their outfits.
Among the attendees were members of the Cabinet, among them Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Hassan Joho (Mining), William Kabogo (ICT), Kipchuma Murkomen (Interior) and Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau.
Other guests included Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Ida Odinga, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni, among others.
Charlene's ceremony happens years after those of her siblings.
In January 2022, President Ruto’s eldest son, Nick Ruto, solemnised his union with his partner in a grand traditional ceremony held in Karen, Nairobi.
At the time, Ruto was serving as Kenya’s deputy president and was among the distinguished guests who attended his son’s wedding.
Friends and family gathered at Windy Ridge in Karen, where Nick formalised his long‑standing relationship with his fiancée, Evelyn Chemutai, in a vibrant and colourful celebration.
Earlier in 2021, Ruto and his wife, Rachel, walked their daughter June Ruto down the aisle on in Karen, Nairobi County.
June wedded her Nigerian fiancé, Dr. Alexander Ezenagu, marking a significant milestone following her colourful engagement party.
Dr. Ezenagu, an accomplished academic, serves as an Assistant Professor at the College of Law in Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar.
