NAIROBI, Kenya- More than a dozen helicopters and a stream of high-profile guests have converged at President William Ruto’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, where his daughter Charlene Ruto is holding her traditional engagement ceremony.
The Koito ak Chaik, a traditional Kalenjin engagement and farewell ceremony, is taking place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, bringing together members of the Ruto family, political leaders, friends and other invited guests.
Reports from the venue earlier in the day indicated that at least four helicopters had already landed at the farm, while later scenes showed a steady arrival of dignitaries by air and road.
The high-profile guest list has included several senior government officials and politicians.
Among those spotted at the ceremony are Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
Sakaja and Jalang’o attracted attention after arriving in coordinated brown traditional outfits, while other guests opted for colourful African-inspired attire and formal wear.
The ceremony is being hosted by President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at the family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Naserian Village, Kilgoris.
The invitation described the occasion as “Koito ak Chaik (Engagement and Farewell)” for their daughter.
The traditional ceremony formally brings together the families of the bride and groom and incorporates elements including engagement, dowry negotiations, blessings and the bride’s farewell from her parental home.
The scale of the event has generated considerable attention, with videos and photographs from the venue showing helicopters landing, motorcades arriving and guests gathering at the decorated farm.
Charlene’s engagement has attracted heightened public interest in recent days after details of the ceremony emerged online.
The event is being held ahead of her planned marriage.
The ceremony has also provided a rare convergence of senior political figures and prominent personalities at a private family occasion, with the Kilgoris farm transformed into the centre of attention as the celebrations continue.
