President William Ruto is widely known for his political career and his rise from a village in Uasin Gishu County to Kenya’s highest office.
However, beyond politics, several little-known facts about the Head of State reveal his academic achievements, personal life, faith, and journey to the presidency.
10 Lesser-Known Facts About President William Ruto
- He is an academic high achiever with a late PhD
- Is a former teacher
- Choir master who met former President Daniel Moi through church
- Humble hustle origins
- Married his choir connection
- Adopted daughter with a remarkable story
- Passionate about agriculture
- First elected deputy president to become president
- Devout member of the Africa Inland Church (AIC)
- Triple Alumnus of the University of Nairobi
- Academic High Achiever with a Late PhD
The President is among the few African presidents who hold a doctorate.
He graduated from the University of Nairobi in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology before returning to the institution years later to further his studies.
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Ruto earned a Master of Science in Plant Ecology in 2011 and successfully defended his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant Ecology in 2018.
His academic journey has often been cited as proof that it is possible to pursue higher education even while serving in public office.
- Ruto Worked as a Teacher Before Joining Politics
Long before becoming a Member of Parliament and eventually President, Ruto briefly worked as a teacher.
He taught at Sirgoi Secondary School and Kamagut Secondary School in the Rift Valley after completing his university studies.
The president’s experience in the classroom came before he ventured into active politics in the early 1990s.
- Choir Master Who Met Moi Through Church
Ruto has frequently spoken about the influence of his Christian faith in shaping his life.
While studying at the University of Nairobi, he chaired the Christian Union choir and actively participated in church activities.
Ruto has previously indicated that his involvement in church activities helped him meet former President Daniel Arap Moi.
- The President’s Humble Childhood Shaped His ‘Hustler’ Narrative
The President has repeatedly said he sold chickens by the roadside and hawked groundnuts to help support his family while growing up in Kamagut village.
“I sold chickens. I sold groundnuts,” he has said on several occasions while explaining the origins of his “hustler” political philosophy.
Ruto has also revealed that he walked barefoot until he was about 15 years old because his family could not afford shoes.
- Met His Wife Through Church
President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto have been married since 1991.
The two met through Christian fellowship and university church networks before eventually getting married.
The couple has children and has often described faith as one of the foundations of their marriage.
- Adopted Daughter with a Remarkable Story
One of the lesser-known stories about the First Family involves their adopted daughter, Nadia Cherono Ruto.
Nadia was rescued after being abandoned as a newborn baby before eventually being adopted by the Ruto family.
President Ruto and the First Lady have previously spoken about the emotional decision to adopt her, describing it as one of the most fulfilling experiences in their family life.
- Passionate About Agriculture
Agriculture is not only part of President Ruto’s government policy, but also a long-standing personal interest.
With an academic background in plant ecology, Ruto has invested in farming over the years, including maize production, dairy farming, and poultry keeping.
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Ruto has often argued that agriculture remains one of the biggest drivers of Kenya’s economy and frequently draws on his own farming experience to advocate for increased investment in the sector.
- First Elected Deputy President to Become President
Following the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, Ruto became the country’s first elected Deputy President after the 2013 General Election.
After serving two consecutive terms alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta between 2013 and 2022, he won the 2022 presidential election.
This made him the first person to serve as Kenya’s elected Deputy President before ascending to the presidency through an election.
- Devout Member of the Africa Inland Church (AIC)
The president is a devoted member of the Africa Inland Church (AIC) and has openly spoken about his Christian faith throughout his political career.
He regularly attends church services across the country and frequently references biblical teachings in his speeches.
During his PhD graduation ceremony at the University of Nairobi on 21 December 2018, Ruto publicly spoke about the role of his Christian faith in his life.
“I want to thank God for this achievement. Without Him, none of this would have been possible. My faith has been my anchor through all the challenges,” President Ruto said.
During his campaigns and presidency, Ruto has repeatedly maintained that prayer and faith have guided many of the decisions he has made.
- Triple Alumnus of the University of Nairobi
Another unique aspect of President Ruto’s academic record is that all three of his university degrees were earned from the University of Nairobi.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology in 1990, a Master of Science in Plant Ecology in 2011, and a PhD in Plant Ecology in 2018.
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