President William Ruto turned what began as a celebration of love into a broader reflection on responsibility, marriage, and values — telling Kenyan youth that building a family remains one of life’s most meaningful pursuits.
Speaking at the wedding of Senator Allan Chesang and Chanelle Kittony in Trans Nzoia County, Ruto urged young people not to shy away from commitment, describing marriage as a foundation of both personal fulfilment and national stability.
“It is good to get married, to start a family, and to build a home,” Ruto said, addressing a gathering of leaders, relatives, and friends who had filled the lush outdoor venue. “Don’t be afraid of responsibility — family gives you direction.”
The President, who attended the event with First Lady Rachel Ruto, said many young people today hesitate to settle down, sometimes confusing independence for avoidance of duty.
“If you are man enough to love a woman, be man enough to marry her,” he said to applause and laughter. “Stop wasting people’s time. Responsibility is not a punishment; it’s a mark of maturity.”
The wedding of Chesang and Kittony was one of the most high-profile unions of the year — bringing together politicians, business figures, and celebrities in a show of glamour and faith. Yet, amid the music, designer outfits, and laughter, Ruto’s remarks stood out as a moral checkpoint.
He spoke less like a Head of State and more like a parent, expressing concern about a generation increasingly skeptical about traditional institutions like marriage.
“Nowadays it sounds fashionable to say you don’t want to have children or you’re not ready for family,” Ruto noted. “But that’s not the way to build a strong society. Family is where everything begins.”
His message — both spiritual and practical — reflected his long-standing belief that social strength starts at the family level. For him, encouraging marriage is not about moral policing but about preserving the social fabric that binds communities together.
Still, Ruto’s words echoed beyond the wedding, reigniting conversations about love, priorities, and what it means to build a life in contemporary Kenya.
Over the years, Ruto has often invoked his own family as a symbol of grounded values. Married to First Lady Rachel Ruto for over three decades, the President has credited her for anchoring his life through his political journey.
In this context, Ruto’s speech wasn’t merely ceremonial — it was a response to a changing world. He acknowledged that times have evolved, but insisted that “some values must never be lost.”
“A strong nation begins with strong families,” he told the crowd. “If we get it right in our homes, we will get it right in our country.”