Beyond the political spotlight surrounding President William Ruto, his family has also attracted considerable public interest. His eight children have followed different paths, ranging from law and diplomacy to aviation and communications, while some have deliberately stayed away from the limelight.
Here is a closer look at the President’s children and what is publicly known about their lives and careers:
1. Nick Ruto – The Lawyer
Nick Ruto, 37, is President William Ruto’s firstborn son. Unlike his father, who has spent decades in the political arena, Nick has largely pursued a career away from politics.
He studied law and was admitted to the Kenyan Bar in 2019, qualifying to practise as an advocate. Nick generally maintains a private lifestyle, although he occasionally accompanies his father at major public and political events.
2. June Ruto – The Diplomat
June Ruto is the President’s firstborn daughter and has established herself in the diplomatic world.
She has served Kenya as a diplomat, including as Kenya’s ambassador to Poland. Her work places her in the world of international relations, where diplomats represent Kenya’s interests, strengthen bilateral relations and engage with foreign governments.
June became widely known to the public after her colourful wedding to Nigerian academic Alexander Ezenagu in May 2021. Despite the attention surrounding her family, she has largely maintained a low profile.
3. Charlene Ruto – The Communications and Public-Engagement Figure
Charlene Ruto is the third-born child and one of the most publicly visible members of the family.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Daystar University and a Master’s degree in Hospitality and Business from Les Roches in Switzerland.
Charlene has been involved in youth-focused initiatives, social programmes and public engagements, particularly around issues affecting young people. Her frequent appearances at public events have made her one of the most recognisable of the President’s children.
Her outspoken personality and strong presence on social media have also kept her in the public conversation.
4. Stephanie Ruto – The Lawyer
Stephanie Ruto, the fourth-born, followed the legal profession.
She graduated from Strathmore University with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2019. Unlike her more publicly visible siblings, Stephanie has largely kept her personal and professional life away from the political spotlight.
She occasionally appears at family and social events but generally prefers a private lifestyle.
5. George Kimutai Ruto – The Pilot
George Kimutai Ruto is the President’s youngest son and has pursued a career in aviation.
He attended Mang’u High School before studying Computer Science at Strathmore University. His interest in aviation later took him to the United Kingdom, where he pursued further aviation training.
George has maintained a relatively low public profile but occasionally attracts attention when he appears alongside his father at official or family events.
6. Cullie Ruto – The Private Daughter
Cullie Ruto is another of the President’s children who has largely stayed away from public life.
She has occasionally attracted public attention because of her fashion choices and appearances with members of the Ruto family. Her profile increased during the family’s high-profile international engagements, including trips to the United States.
However, unlike some of her siblings, Cullie has not built a prominent public career and continues to maintain a relatively private lifestyle.
7. Abby Cherop – The Youngest Daughter from Prisca Chemutai Bett
Abby Cherop came into the public spotlight when her mother, Prisca Chemutai Bett, publicly sought recognition and support for her daughter from William Ruto.
Ruto subsequently acknowledged Abby as his daughter and has supported her. Abby has largely remained away from political life and, being a school-going child, has focused primarily on her education.
8. Nadia Cherono – The Adopted Daughter
Perhaps the most remarkable story among Ruto’s children is that of Nadia Cherono.
Nadia was reportedly abandoned as a newborn in Machakos and was found in extremely distressing circumstances. Her story touched Ruto, who subsequently adopted her.
Today, Nadia is the youngest member of the Ruto family and has grown up away from the intense political spotlight surrounding her father.
A FAMILY WITH VERY DIFFERENT PATHS
President Ruto’s children have taken remarkably different directions. One became a lawyer, another pursued diplomacy, others ventured into communications and business-related fields, while George chose aviation.
And although being the children of a sitting Kenyan president naturally puts them under public scrutiny, several of them have deliberately maintained private lives.
Their different careers and personalities offer a glimpse into a family whose members have largely pursued their own paths while growing up in the shadow of one of Kenya’s most powerful political figures.
