Charlene Ruto and her husband, Isaya Yunge, have attracted attention after footage emerged showing them choosing seats towards the back of a church during their first days as a married couple.
The newlyweds attended a Sunday service at African Inland Church Nyanguge in Mwanza, Tanzania, on November 8, just two days after their wedding.
Despite Charlene being the daughter of President William Ruto, the couple did not occupy the front seats often reserved for distinguished guests.
Instead, they settled towards the back of the church, where they joined other worshippers for the service.
In the footage shared online, Isaya appeared focused on reading his Bible as Charlene sat beside him.
The couple had arrived at the church in a black Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, with Isaya holding his wife’s hand as they walked into the building.
Charlene wore a white dress with black polka dots, accessorized with a white handbag, while Isaya opted for a light jacket, white shirt and beige trousers.
Their decision to sit among the other congregants attracted positive reactions from social media users, with some praising their modest approach despite their prominent backgrounds.
How did Kenyans and Tanzanians react?
Several social media users took to the comments section to express their admiration for the newlyweds.
@Esther praised Charlene’s conduct, writing:
“Here you don’t see the president’s child, you see a humble lady, God-fearing and with a clean heart.”
@Neema expressed her support for the newly married woman, writing:
“May this lady get the respect she desires.”
@Pastor Rose Shaboka also shared a short prayer for the couple, writing:
“Jesus protect this family.”
Other users described Charlene and Isaya as simple and humble, with some wishing them a happy marriage.
The couple were later invited to the front of the church, where members of the congregation prayed over them as newlyweds.
Their visit to the church was among their first public activities following their November 6 wedding at Malaika Beach Hotel in Mwanza.
The ceremony brought together members of the Kenyan and Tanzanian political and social circles, including President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.
