NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has publicly revealed for the first time that he and First Lady Rachel Ruto lost their firstborn son due to childbirth-related complications.
The President made the emotional disclosure on Thursday during the launch of the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026–2028 at State House, Nairobi.
Ruto said the experience gave him a personal understanding of the pain families endure when mothers or newborns die during childbirth.
Ruto Recalls Personal Loss
Speaking during the event, the Head of State said a conversation with Prof Senait Fisseha prompted him to reflect on his own family’s tragedy.
“Prof Senait told me that it is shameful that mothers in Kenya continue to lose their lives when giving birth, and newborns continue to die. It was an embarrassing moment for me,” Ruto said.
“It quickly reminded me of my very own personal experience; Mama Rachel here, and I lost our firstborn son. So, it is not something that is a far-fetched story, but a reality we live with every day,” he added.
The President did not provide further details about when the loss occurred.
Maternal Deaths Still a National Challenge
The President said maternal and newborn deaths continue to devastate families and weaken communities across the country.
He noted that improving maternal healthcare was not only about saving lives but also about protecting families from poverty and securing the country’s future.
“Maternal or newborn death not only devastates a family but also weakens the very foundation of a community and a nation,” the President stated.
The remarks come as Kenya continues efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates and improve access to reproductive and newborn healthcare services.
Government Announces New Funding
During the launch, the President announced additional government funding aimed at strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services nationwide.
President Ruto said the National Treasury would allocate an additional Sh4 billion to the Social Health Authority to cover healthcare premiums for pregnant women.
He further disclosed that the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority would receive an extra Sh1 billion for procurement of life-saving maternal and newborn health commodities.
An additional Sh2.5 billion will also be allocated for family planning commodities.
Government to Recruit 5,000 Nurses and Midwives
The President announced that the government plans to recruit and deploy 5,000 nurses and midwives across the country to improve maternal and child healthcare services.
He said the initiative would form part of a six-month nationwide Maternal and Newborn Health Rapid Results Initiative expected to run between now and November 2026.
According to Ruto, the programme aims to accelerate measurable improvements in maternal and newborn healthcare outcomes across Kenya.
