President William Ruto has publicly apologized to his daughter, expressing regret over a past career decision.
Speaking on May 2 at the Kalasha Awards held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center, the president stated that after completing Form 4, his daughter had expressed interest in pursuing a career in film, a request he declined at the time.
“One more thing, I must this evening apologize to my daughter, Chepng’etich, she had asked me after Form 4 that she would want to do film and I said no,” Ruto said.
Ruto Publicly Apologizes to Daughter
Addressing guests at the awards, Ruto said he now considers that decision a mistake, citing what he witnessed during the awards and the display from creatives.
He added that watching the work and productions showcased at the event helped him realize that he should have allowed his daughter to pursue her interest in film.
The president added that his daughter, instead of pursuing interior design, followed his earlier decision.
“Watching what I have watched this evening, it was a mistake on my part. I should have allowed her to do film. She went on to do interior design, but I’m sure if she’s watching me somewhere, she now knows I said she was right, I was not,” he remarked.
The statement was made publicly before attendees at the event, which brought together stakeholders in Kenya’s film and television industry.
Ruto Announces Prize Boost and Creative Industry Support
The 14th Kalasha International Film & TV Awards took place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Center.
This ceremony formed part of the broader Kalasha International Film & TV Market, Festival, and Awards held from April 28 to May 2, 2026.
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The 2026 edition was held under the theme “Innovating Tradition, Re-inventing Storytelling One Frame at a Time.”
President William Ruto attended the event and delivered a speech supporting the growth of Kenya’s creative industry.
During the ceremony, he announced an increase in prize money to KSh 500,000 per winner.
Plans to Host the 2027 Awards at the Statehouse
He also revealed plans to establish a Creative Economy Office at the State House and to shift government advertising toward creative platforms.
New initiatives highlighted during the event included recognition of student films as part of efforts to expand opportunities for emerging talent in the industry.
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Plans were also announced to host the 2027 edition of the awards at the State House.
Among the reported winners, June Njenga won Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama for her role in Big Girl Small World.
Productions such as Big Girl Small World and Subterranea were also highlighted for strong performances, leading nominations.
The awards were described as highly competitive, reflecting increased participation and production quality within Kenya’s film and television sector.
