President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto invited guests to the traditional engagement and farewell ceremony (Koito) of their daughter, Charlene Ruto.
The Koito ceremony was scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026.
An invitation card seen by The Kenya Times shows that the family will host the Koito ak Chaik ceremony at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris Town, Naserian Village, Narok County, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The invitation is issued in the names of Dr. William Samoei Ruto and Mrs. Rachel Chebet Ruto, who describe the event as an engagement and farewell ceremony for their daughter.
Ruto Invites Guests to Charlene Ruto’s Koito Ceremony Ahead of Marriage
“We the family of Dr. William Samoei Ruto and Mrs. Rachel Chebet Ruto warmly invite you to the Koito ak Chaik (Engagement and Farewell) of their daughter Charlene Chelagat Ruto,” the invitation reads.
The card also includes a Bible verse from Psalms 91:11 (NIV), which states: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
The ceremony is expected to bring together family members, friends, community leaders and invited guests as the Ruto family marks the traditional milestone ahead of Charlene’s marriage.
Koito ak Chaik is a traditional Kalenjin ceremony held before marriage.
It serves as both an engagement and a farewell, during which the bride’s family formally blesses her as she prepares to begin married life.
Charlene Ruto is reportedly set to marry Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaiah Yunke, a self-made businessman and social-impact innovator.
Guests Gather for Charlene’s Koito Ceremony
Photos from the ceremony show a group of guests gathered outdoors for Charlene’s Koito ceremony, posing for photographs on a lawn next to a decorated backdrop bearing her name, “Charlene’s.”
The group is dressed in a mix of traditional and formal attire, with several guests wearing colourful African-print outfits and others in dresses and suits.
The setting features a decorated photo area with African-inspired patterns, adding a cultural touch to the traditional engagement and farewell ceremony.
Among the guests attending the ceremony are Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, his Water Counterpart Eric Mugaa, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba, Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei, and Bomet Women Rep Linet Toto.
Also Read: Charlene Ruto Advises the Govt on How to Handle Gen Z
Charlene Ruto Asks Benny Hinn to Pray for Her to Get a Husband
The ceremony comes nearly two years after Charlene Ruto publicly asked American televangelist Pastor Benny Hinn to pray that she would find a husband who would support her calling to serve young people.
Speaking during the Healing the Nation Crusade in 2024, Charlene said she believed God had called her to work with young people in Kenya and across Africa.
“I feel like I am being anointed for the call,” she said before asking Hinn to pray for a husband who would share that mission.
The preacher prayed for her and later asked if there were any special requests. She whispered into his ear before he continued praying:
“Give her a husband who will fulfill that call with her, Lord. Send that young man her way, one who will be her strength and a great support. She cannot do this alone, Lord.”
He continued:
“She needs a husband, Lord, and she needs that husband soon. Send him her way soon. Let him be exactly what she wants, everything she wants in a husband. Grant it, Lord.”
The prayers attracted widespread public attention at the time and have resurfaced following news of Charlene’s traditional engagement ceremony.
Also Read: Charlene Ruto Represents Kenya at Global Beekeeping Congress in Copenhagen
Charlene Ruto Career and Education
Charlene has remained one of the country’s most visible presidential children, championing youth empowerment, climate action and agriculture through the SMACHS Foundation and other initiatives.
She has represented Kenya at local and international forums, where she has advocated for youth participation, sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Charlene Ruto is the founder and chief executive officer of The Young People’s Network International, an organisation launched in 2025 to connect and empower young people across Africa and beyond.
She also founded the SMACHS Foundation in 2022, which focuses on youth development, climate action and sustainable agriculture.
Beyond her foundation work, Charlene serves as the Chairperson of the Board at Weston Hotel Nairobi, having previously worked in strategic management, branding and public relations within the company.
Before joining the hospitality sector, she worked in public relations and media relations at MODE – Mobile Decisioning Holding Ltd, where she handled corporate communications, media engagement and brand strategy.
Charlene holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Daystar University and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Administration and Management from Les Roches Global Hospitality Education in Switzerland.
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