A host of high-profile dignitaries has gathered at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, as President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto host their daughter Charlene Ruto’s Koito ak Chaik ceremony today, Saturday, August 8, 2026.
The traditional engagement and farewell ceremony is currently underway at the Ruto family property, bringing together senior government officials, lawmakers, family members and other invited guests.
Among the prominent Kenyan leaders present at the ceremony are Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.
The scale of the ceremony has been evident from the arrival of guests at Intonna Heritage Farm.
Several dignitaries and other high-profile guests have travelled to the venue by helicopter, with several helicopters landing at the farm as the ceremony gets underway.
The arrivals have drawn attention to the event, which has brought together prominent figures from Kenya’s political and social circles.
Photos and videos emerging from the venue show guests dressed in formal and traditional African attire as they take part in the ceremony.
Charlene’s event is being held as a Koito ak Chaik, a traditional Kalenjin engagement and farewell ceremony.
Koito forms an important part of the traditional marriage process, bringing together the families of the bride and groom for formal negotiations, cultural rites and blessings.
Elders traditionally play a central role in the proceedings, including discussions relating to the marriage and dowry arrangements.
The Chaik element incorporates the bride’s farewell and blessings from her family as she prepares to begin married life.
Charlene Ruto is reportedly set to marry Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaiah Yunke.
Yunke is a technology entrepreneur and youth advocate. He is associated with SomaApp, a platform that connects African young people with international scholarship opportunities.
He is also a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alumnus and an Ashoka Fellow, while reports have linked him to the Queen’s Young Leaders Award.
The couple has largely kept details of their relationship away from the public spotlight, making today’s traditional ceremony a significant public milestone.
The invitation for the ceremony was issued in the names of William Samoei Ruto and Rachel Chebet Ruto. It also featured a passage from Psalm 91:11.
More details and images from the ceremony are expected to emerge as the event continues.
