President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted family, friends, and invited dignitaries at the traditional engagement and farewell ceremony (Koito) of their daughter, Charlene Ruto, on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The ceremony, known as Koito ak Chaik, is being held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris Town, Naserian Village, Narok County, with the event scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
The invitation to the ceremony was issued in the names of Dr William Samoei Ruto and Mrs Rachel Chebet Ruto, who welcomed guests to the traditional ceremony marking an important milestone for their daughter.
Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony are Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei and Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto.
Here are some of the high-profile guests seen at the ceremony.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has joined other dignitaries attending Charlene Ruto’s traditional Koito ceremony in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Naiyanoi Ntutu Ng’eno, widow of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, is among the guests attending.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, arrived at the ceremony dressed in matching brown traditional suits, accompanied by an associate.
Images from the venue show dozens of vehicles and several helicopters gathered at the ranch in Kilgoris as guests arrive for Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony.
Nairobi Senator Karen Nyamu and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris are also among the guests attending Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony in Kilgoris.
Nyamu is dressed in a brown traditional dress that matches suits worn by Sakaja and Lang’ata MP Jalang’o, while Esther Passaris stands out in a beautifully decorated African traditional outfit.
Charlene Ruto and her bridesmaids have also been spotted at the ceremony, with the bridal party embracing a coordinated green-themed look. The bridesmaids are dressed in matching vegetation-green dresses, while Charlene stands out in a green-and-gold outfit.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi is also among the guests attending Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony, dressed in a brown-and-white shirt and a cowboy hat that complements the event’s ranch-inspired style.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muga is also among the guests at Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony.
Muga has brought his own touch to the event’s style, arriving in a blue suit while completing the look with the cowboy hat seen on many of the guests.
Charlene Ruto smiles for the cameras in a flowing green-and-gold dress, complemented by elegant jewelry and makeup, during her Koito ceremony in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende is also among the guests attending Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony in Kilgoris, Narok County. He was photographed alongside President William Ruto’s mother during the celebrations.
Charlene Ruto and her mother, First Lady Rachel Ruto, joined other women in lively traditional dances during the Koito celebrations in Kilgoris, adding a festive touch to the ceremony.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi is also among the guests attending alongside associates. The four are seen posing for a photo with smiley faces.
Charlene Ruto’s close friend, Sharlene Wambui Maina, was also present during the gathering. She posed for a photo with a warm smile while dressed in an elegant brown-and-gold outfit. In a statement, she congratulated her friend on her big day.
“To the most kind-hearted person I know, congratulations, sis Charlene Ruto,” Sharlene stated.
