William Ruto Biography
William Ruto whose full name, William Samoei Ruto is one of the most remarkable leaders in modern Africa. Rising from a humble background in a small Kenyan village, he worked his way up through determination, faith, and resilience to become the President of Kenya. His story is not only about politics but also about perseverance, belief in education, and the ability to seize opportunities when they come. Ruto has worn many hats in his lifetime: teacher, businessman, youth leader, Member of Parliament, minister, deputy president, and now the Commander-in-Chief of Kenya. To some, he is the “hustler” president, a leader who represents ordinary people who struggle every day to make ends meet. To others, he is a controversial figure who has fought tough political battles to reach the top. His life journey is inspiring, complex, and deeply tied to Kenya’s recent history.
Early Life and Family Background
William Samoei Ruto was born on 21 December 1966 in Kamagut village, Uasin Gishu County, in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. He comes from a humble, farming family. His father was Daniel Cheruiyot and his mother was Sarah Cheruiyot. Ruto was raised in a Christian household that emphasized hard work, discipline, and faith.
Growing up, Ruto lived the life of a typical village boy. He herded cattle, fetched water barefoot from nearby rivers, and helped his parents on the farm. The family was not wealthy, and young Ruto learned early the struggles of poverty. He even sold groundnuts and chickens by the roadside to support himself, a story he later used to connect with ordinary Kenyans who see him as one of their own.
Ruto grew up with several siblings, though he rarely speaks much about them in public. What stood out in his childhood was his curiosity, strong faith, and determination to succeed despite the challenges of rural life.
Education Journey
William Ruto’s education is one of the most important parts of his story. Despite the financial struggles his family faced, he remained focused on his studies and excelled in school.
He began his primary education at Kerotet Primary School, where he performed well. He later joined Wareng Secondary School, and after that, he attended Kapsabet Boys High School, one of the top schools in Kenya. At Kapsabet, Ruto developed a reputation for being disciplined, hardworking, and deeply involved in Christian Union activities. He loved science and math, but he was also passionate about religion and leadership.
After high school, Ruto joined the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology. At the university, he became very active in Christian Union activities, often preaching and organizing fellowships. It was here that he met many future leaders of Kenya and began to develop his interest in politics.
Ruto did not stop with his undergraduate studies. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Plant Ecology and later completed a PhD in Plant Ecology from the same university in 2018. His academic journey is one of the things he is most proud of, often reminding young Kenyans that education is a powerful tool for success.
Political Career
William Ruto’s entry into politics came in the late 1980s and early 1990s through the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party, which was the ruling party at the time under President Daniel arap Moi. He first became widely known when he joined the Youth for KANU 1992 (YK’92) movement, which was formed to mobilize support for Moi’s re-election. Ruto quickly rose within the group because of his organizational skills, charisma, and ability to connect with ordinary citizens.
In 1997, Ruto ran for Parliament and won the seat for Eldoret North Constituency, defeating the then-powerful incumbent. This marked the beginning of his political career as an elected leader. From there, he became a loyal supporter of KANU, serving in different roles and building his reputation as a skilled grassroots mobilizer.
Political Career Growth
After becoming a Member of Parliament, Ruto’s political career grew steadily. He was appointed to several ministerial positions, where he gained experience in government.
In 2002, when KANU lost power to the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), Ruto stayed active in politics and remained a strong figure in his constituency. Later, he joined forces with Raila Odinga in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during the hotly contested 2007 general elections. He played a key role in mobilizing support for ODM, though the elections ended in violence and disputes.
Following the post-election crisis, a coalition government was formed, and Ruto was appointed Minister of Agriculture. In this role, he pushed for reforms, supported farmers, and tried to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector. His time as Agriculture Minister gave him national recognition.
Ruto later served as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, where he focused on expanding access to education and improving research opportunities.
In 2013, Ruto teamed up with Uhuru Kenyatta to form the Jubilee Alliance. Together, they campaigned on a platform of unity, development, and a promise to transform Kenya. Despite facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to the 2007 post-election violence, both Uhuru and Ruto managed to win the presidency and deputy presidency.
Ruto became the Deputy President of Kenya in April 2013. As deputy, he was heavily involved in government programs, especially in infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment. He traveled widely across the country, branding himself as a leader of the people, someone who understood the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.
In 2017, Uhuru and Ruto were re-elected for a second term. However, their relationship later soured, with Uhuru shifting his support to Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections. Despite this political fallout, Ruto pressed forward with his own presidential ambition.
In August 2022, William Ruto ran for president under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition. His main message was the “hustler nation” narrative, where he positioned himself as the voice of ordinary Kenyans, small business owners, farmers, and youth struggling to make a living. He campaigned against the idea of dynastic politics represented by Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta, who both came from powerful political families.
Against the odds, Ruto won the elections and was declared the 5th President of Kenya on 13 September 2022. His victory was historic, as it showed that someone from a humble background could rise to the highest office in the land.
Achievements
William Ruto’s achievements can be seen in different areas:
- Educational Success – From selling chickens as a boy to earning a PhD, Ruto’s education journey inspires many.
- Political Resilience – He has risen from grassroots politics to the presidency despite facing numerous challenges, including ICC charges and political betrayals.
- Agriculture Support – As Agriculture Minister and later as Deputy President, he championed farmers’ rights and pushed for better access to markets and resources.
- Hustler Nation Agenda – His campaign gave hope to millions of ordinary Kenyans who felt left out by traditional political elites.
- International Recognition – Since becoming president, Ruto has positioned Kenya as an important player in regional and global politics, especially in climate change discussions and peace initiatives in Africa.
Personal Life and Family
William Ruto is married to Rachel Chebet Ruto, who is the First Lady of Kenya. Rachel is a strong Christian and actively involved in church and community activities. She is known for her humility and her passion for women’s empowerment programs.
Together, William and Rachel Ruto have seven children:
- Nick Ruto – a lawyer.
- June Ruto – a diplomat who serves in Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Charlene Ruto – active in youth and development programs.
- George Ruto – involved in business and private work.
- Abigail Ruto – keeps a low profile.
- Stephanie Jepchumba – a student and youth ambassador.
- Nadia Cherono – an adopted daughter whom Ruto took in as his own.
Ruto is a devoted Christian and a member of the African Inland Church (AIC). He often attends services with his family and is open about his faith. Outside politics, he is a successful farmer with large poultry and dairy projects.
Net Worth
William Ruto is considered one of the wealthiest politicians in Kenya. His net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including farming, real estate, hotels, insurance, and investments in different businesses. His poultry farm, often called one of the largest in Kenya, is one of his proudest ventures.
Despite his wealth, Ruto continues to present himself as a “hustler,” often reminding people of his humble beginnings selling chickens and groundnuts. This connection to his past has made him relatable to many ordinary Kenyans.
Conclusion
The story of William Samoei Ruto is one of hope, struggle, and determination. From a barefoot boy in Kamagut village to the President of Kenya, his journey is extraordinary. He has faced obstacles, betrayals, and controversies, but he has also achieved milestones that many thought were impossible.
Ruto’s presidency is still young, and history will judge him by how well he delivers on his promises to fight poverty, create jobs, and unite Kenyans. For now, he stands as a symbol of what is possible when hard work, resilience, and faith come together. His life is proof that no background is too humble for greatness.