A photo showing former President Uhuru Kenyatta seated alongside President William Ruto has resurfaced online, with social media users linking it to Charlene Ruto’s traditional engagement and farewell ceremony in Narok County.
The photograph attracted attention as Kenyans commented on the ceremony attended by members of the Ruto family, political leaders, friends and other invited guests for Charlene’s traditional ceremony on Saturday, August 8.
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted the Koito ak Chaik ceremony at the Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Naserian Village, Narok County.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Belgut MP Nelson Koech, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, and Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi.
Kenyans React to the Uhuru and Ruto Photo
The photo of Uhuru Kenyatta sitting next to William Ruto sparked reactions online, with some social media users claiming that the former President was attending Charlene Ruto’s ceremony.
Some claimed that the former President had not been listed among the prominent guests publicly associated with the event.
Also Read: Truth Behind Reported Kalonzo Meeting with Ruto at State House Ahead of National Address
Oscar Kamau stated that while politicians can easily reconcile and work together, ordinary Kenyans sometimes become deeply divided and even hostile toward one another because of politics.
“True, true in politics there are ‘NO permanent enemies or friends … ‘only permanent interests.’ And down here Kenyans fight to the death of these called leaders.”
When Was the Photograph First Published?
However, a fact check by The Kenya Times found that the photograph circulating online is not from Charlene Ruto’s traditional engagement ceremony on August 8.
Data from the fact-checking tool TinEye shows that the image was first indexed in January 2019, meaning it was an old photo.
The clothes worn by President Ruto in the photo (white shirt and black trousers) also differed from the brown Kaunda suit he wore at the event on Saturday, in line with the event’s theme.
After a spot check, The Kenya Times can confirm that the image was first published in January 2019, when Uhuru was President and Ruto was serving as Deputy President.
It was taken on January 12, 2019, during the wedding of Makena Murungi, daughter of former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, and James Bukusi at Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi.
The wedding brought together several prominent political figures, including Uhuru and Ruto.
Also Read: Has Kibabii University Banned Relationships with Freshers? Truth Behind The Viral Memo
Other guests included Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia, former minister Chris Murungaru, former Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura and former State House Comptroller Matere Kereri.
Last Meeting Between Uhuru and Ruto
Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto were last publicly seen together in October 2025 during the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Their appearance attracted attention because of the political fallout between the two leaders, and it followed their December 9, 2024, meeting in Ichaweri, Gatundu, where Ruto paid his predecessor a courtesy call.
State House said in a statement that the December meeting focused on national and regional interests, with Ruto thanking Uhuru for his statesmanship during the peaceful transfer of power following the 2022 General Election.
“President Ruto took the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation and commendation of His Excellency President Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 elections,” read the statement in part.
The two worked together for two terms after Ruto served as Uhuru’s deputy from 2013 to 2022. However, their relationship became strained during Uhuru’s second term, particularly ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Uhuru backed ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency, while Ruto contested the election under the United Democratic Alliance and went on to defeat Odinga and succeed Uhuru as Kenya’s fifth President.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
