Mama Sarah Samoei Cheruiyot, the mother of President William Ruto, has drawn attention during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret on October 20, renewing interest in her family background and the upbringing of the Head of State.
Popularly known as Mama Sarah, she comes from Kamagut village in Turbo Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, where William Ruto grew up. She has largely maintained a private life despite her son’s rise to the presidency in 2022.
Mama Sarah was married to Mzee Daniel Cheruiyot, William Ruto’s father. Daniel was a farmer who later ventured into business.
The couple raised six children, including William Ruto, who was born on December 21, 1966, in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County.
Daniel Cheruiyot died in 2008, when Ruto served as the Member of Parliament for Eldoret North.
Before his death, he and Mama Sarah had lived with their children in Kamagut, where the family relied on farming and prioritised their children’s education.
Public Appearances Of Mama Sarah Samoei Cheruiyot
Mama Sarah Samoei, the mother of President William Ruto, generally keeps a private life in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County, and appears publicly mainly at family ceremonies and major national events.
Also Read: William Ruto Profile: Background, Education and Family
Speaking from her home in Kamagut, in September 2022, she celebrated after the Supreme Court upheld her son’s presidential election.
“We are grateful to God. It is a great feeling. We thank God for taking care of us and lifting us up to where we are,” Sarah Samoei said.
She also urged him to deliver on his campaign commitments:
“My only role in the campaigns was to pray. I prayed throughout, and I am happy God has answered the prayers.”
In 2023, Mama Sarah was among 505 residents who received title deeds during a ceremony organised by the Uasin Gishu County government in Eldoret.
She thanked the county government and urged landowners to use their land productively.
In August 2026, Sarah Samoei also attended her granddaughter Charlene Ruto’s wedding in Kilgoris and the traditional koito dowry negotiations involving the groom’s family from Mwanza, Tanzania.
Also Read: Charlene Ruto, the President’s Daughter Who Became a Household Name Without Holding Public Office
On October 20, 2026, Mama Sarah attended the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where her appearance attracted public attention.
Faith and Christianity
In a 2010 interview with The Standard, Mama Sarah said she prioritised discipline and education while raising her children. She described William Ruto as an obedient child who completed household chores and remained focused on his studies.
She recalled that Ruto sometimes carried a book to read while herding goats. The family prioritised paying for their children’s education over building a bigger house, despite their modest circumstances.
Mama Sarah Samoei also spoke about the role of Christianity in raising her children. The family attended the African Inland Church (AIC), where Ruto participated in the church choir during his youth.
She said she prayed for her son’s future and emphasised the importance of parents instilling Christian values in their children.
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