MWANZA, Tanzania- President William Ruto has shared an emotional message to his daughter, Charlene Ruto, following her wedding to Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge in Mwanza, Tanzania.
The President said the occasion marked one of the proudest moments of his life as a father, as he watched Charlene begin a new chapter with the man she chose to build a future with.
“Few moments bring a father greater joy than seeing his daughter find love, happiness and a companion with whom to build a future,” President Ruto said.
“I have watched you grow from the little girl I once held in my arms into the strong, compassionate and remarkable young woman you are today.”
President Ruto said he was filled with pride, gratitude and profound happiness as Charlene and Yunge exchanged their marriage vows in Mwanza.
Charlene and Yunge wed in an outdoor ceremony attended by family members, friends and guests from Kenya and Tanzania.
President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto escorted their daughter down the aisle.
A message of love and guidance
President Ruto said First Lady Rachel Ruto, Charlene’s siblings and the wider family were celebrating the wedding with immense joy.
He urged the newlyweds to anchor their marriage in values that would sustain them through both joyful and difficult moments.
“As you begin this beautiful journey together, remember that an enduring marriage is built not only on love, but also on friendship, patience, kindness and forgiveness,” he said.
“May you always find strength and comfort in each other, joy in the little things and courage to face life’s challenges together.”
The President also directly welcomed Yunge into the Ruto family, saying the union had brought the two families together.
“Yunge, we welcome you warmly into our family, just as we are delighted to become part of yours,” President Ruto said.
“May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with peace and your years together with happiness and fulfilment.”
Months of wedding celebrations
The white wedding followed the couple’s traditional Kalenjin Koito ceremony in August at the Ruto family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The ceremony formally brought the two families together ahead of the Mwanza celebration, which marked the start of Charlene and Yunge’s married life.
In the days leading up to the wedding, Charlene shared moments from her bridal shower and a family blessing gathering, where First Lady Rachel Ruto, relatives and close friends prayed for her marriage.
Charlene had also spoken about faith as she prepared for the new season of her life, describing Christ as the foundation of the couple’s marriage and the Word as her guide.
The Mwanza ceremony featured a white floral arch, a mirrored aisle and a detailed lace gown worn by Charlene as the couple exchanged vows before a bishop.
The wedding has drawn attention across Kenya and Tanzania, celebrating a cross-border union centred on family, faith and a new beginning.
