PHOTOS: Charlene Ruto holds traditional Koito Ceremony with Tanzanian Businessman

Charlene Chelagat Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, has taken a major step towards marriage after appearing at a traditional Koito ceremony with Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge in Narok County.

The ceremony was held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Intona Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, bringing together members of the two families, friends and invited guests for a traditional event with deep significance among Kenya’s Kalenjin community.

Charlene, 33, was pictured wearing traditional attire alongside family members and guests as the ceremony unfolded.

The event attracted considerable attention in Kenya because of her status as the daughter of the country’s president and the prominent background of her prospective husband.

Koito is a traditional Kalenjin ceremony that brings together families preparing for marriage.

It provides an opportunity for relatives to formally meet, discuss the union and address matters connected with marriage arrangements and bride wealth.

The ceremony is an important stage in many Kalenjin marriages and has continued to be observed alongside modern wedding celebrations.

Charlene was born on January 11, 1993, to William and Rachel Ruto.

Since her father became president in 2022, she has remained a prominent public figure, although she does not hold an official government position equivalent to a “First Daughter”.

She has been involved in youth initiatives, environmental campaigns, agriculture and charitable activities.

Her educational background includes studies in Mass Communication at Daystar University and further studies in Hospitality and Business Administration at Les Roches in Switzerland.

Charlene has also participated in campaigns involving blood donation, youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable agriculture, helping establish her public profile beyond her relationship with the president.

Yunge, meanwhile, is a Tanzanian entrepreneur whose work has focused heavily on education and technology.

He is associated with SomaApp, a technology initiative aimed at helping students access educational opportunities by connecting talented young people with learning opportunities.

His background and work have also included youth development and efforts to expand access to education through technology.

The Ruto family has previously embraced traditional marriage ceremonies.

President Ruto’s son Nick Ruto held a Koito ceremony with Evelyn Chemutai in 2022, while his daughter June Ruto married Nigerian academic Dr Alexander Ezenagu in 2021.

The latest ceremony therefore represents another occasion in which the Ruto family has maintained links with Kalenjin traditions while its members pursue professional and public lives across Kenya and beyond.

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