President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto during Charlene Ruto's traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto on Saturday celebrated the engagement of their daughter, Charlene Ruto, during a traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.

Koito is a traditional Kalenjin pre-marriage ceremony in which the families of the bride and groom formally meet to discuss and affirm the union before the wedding. It is regarded as an important cultural step towards marriage.

In a message after the ceremony, Ruto said he and the First Lady were grateful as Charlene began a beautiful new chapter with her fiancé, Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.

"Today, MamaRachelRuto and I celebrate with grateful hearts as our daughter Charlene begins a beautiful new chapter with her fiancé, Isaya Yunge," the President said.

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He expressed pride in the couple and pledged his family's continued support.

"As your parents, we are proud of you, we rejoice with you, and we will always stand beside you," Ruto said.Isaya Yunge, Charlene Ruto's fiancé/PCS

The Head of State also congratulated the couple on their engagement and offered prayers for their future together.

"May God bless your union, deepen your friendship and fill the home you build together with love, joy and enduring peace," he said.

The ceremony marked a significant cultural milestone for the couple as they prepare for marriage.Charlene Ruto during her traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCSIsaya Yunge, Charlene Ruto's fiancé, during their traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCSIda Odinga (in blue), First Lady Rachel Ruto (next to Ida on right side), friends and family during Charlene Ruto's traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto during Charlene Ruto, Isaya Yunge's traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto (in brown Kaunda suit), First Lady Rachel Ruto, and other prominent leaders during Charlene Ruto, Isaya Yunge's traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCSGuests during Charlene Ruto, Isaya Yunge's traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCSCharlene Ruto, Isaya Yunge's traditional Koito ceremony held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County on Saturday, August 8, 2026/PCS