William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto, the fifth president of Kenya, has had a remarkable political journey, marked by perseverance, strategic alliances, and significant influence. Born on December 21, 1966, in Kamagut, Kenya, Ruto’s rise to the presidency is a testament to his political acumen and ability to navigate Kenya’s complex political landscape. From serving as Kenya’s first deputy president under President Uhuru Kenyatta to being elected as the head of state in 2022, Ruto has played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s political narrative.
Ruto’s leadership is characterized by his unique political ideology, championing the “hustler” movement, which focuses on uplifting ordinary Kenyans and promoting economic inclusivity. His presidency marks a shift in Kenya’s political dynamics, with a focus on reforming key sectors such as agriculture, education, and technology. Despite facing controversies and challenges throughout his career, Ruto’s rise to power represents both his personal resilience and Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
In this article, we will delve into William Ruto’s early life, political career, major achievements as deputy president, his journey to the presidency, and his vision for Kenya’s future. We will also explore some of the controversies surrounding his leadership and the significant policies he has implemented since assuming office.
Early Life and Education
William Ruto’s story begins in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County, where he was born into a modest family. Ruto’s roots in the Rift Valley region, particularly within the Kalenjin community, played a significant role in shaping his political trajectory. His father, Daniel Cheruiyot, was a member of the Kipsigis sub-tribe, and his mother, Sarah Cheruiyot, hailed from the Nandi ethnic group. Despite coming from humble beginnings, Ruto’s determination to succeed pushed him to pursue an education, which laid the foundation for his future career.
Ruto attended Kamagut Primary School and later moved to Kerotet Primary School, where he completed his Certificate of Primary Education. His secondary education continued at Wareng Secondary School and Kapsabet High School, where he excelled academically. After completing his A-levels, Ruto enrolled at the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology, graduating in 1990. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Plant Ecology and later completed a Ph.D. in 2018, after several setbacks in his academic journey.
Ruto’s time at the University of Nairobi also marked the beginning of his involvement in political and leadership activities. He was an active member of the Christian Union and served as the chair of the university’s choir. Through his campus activities, he met key political figures, including President Daniel arap Moi, who would later introduce him to the world of politics.
Political Career: From YK’92 to Deputy President
Ruto’s political journey began in the early 1990s when he became involved in the YK’92 movement, which lobbied for the re-election of President Daniel arap Moi. This experience provided Ruto with valuable insights into Kenyan politics and helped him build connections within the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) party. By 1997, Ruto ran for a parliamentary seat in Eldoret North and won, marking the beginning of his long political career.
In the years that followed, Ruto rose through the ranks of KANU, eventually becoming the party’s Secretary-General. He became known for his strong political presence in the Rift Valley, where he cultivated a loyal voter base. In the 2007 elections, Ruto contested the presidency under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga. Although he lost in the ODM primaries, he remained a key player in the political arena and supported Odinga’s candidacy.
Ruto’s political alignment shifted when, in 2012, he teamed up with Uhuru Kenyatta, the presidential candidate from the Jubilee coalition, to contest the 2013 elections. Ruto withdrew from the presidential race and became Kenyatta’s running mate, securing the position of Deputy President after their victory. Ruto was re-elected in 2017, and together with Kenyatta, they led the country through their second term in office.
Presidential Campaign and Victory
William Ruto’s bid for the presidency culminated in the 2022 elections, where he ran under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party he founded. His campaign focused on the empowerment of ordinary Kenyans, particularly those involved in small businesses, through the “hustler” movement. Ruto’s message resonated with many Kenyans who felt left behind by the political elite, and his promises of economic reform and social justice were central to his presidential bid.
The 2022 election was highly contested, with Ruto facing off against Raila Odinga of the Azimio La Umoja coalition. The race was fierce, and the results were contested, but the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s victory, declaring him the duly elected president of Kenya. On September 13, 2022, Ruto was inaugurated as the fifth president of Kenya, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s political history.
Key Policies and Achievements
Since taking office, President Ruto has focused on several key areas, including economic reform, climate action, and regional diplomacy. One of his significant policy initiatives is the Hustler Fund, which aims to provide financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs across Kenya. This fund has been designed to address the economic challenges faced by many Kenyans, particularly in the informal sector.
Ruto has also prioritized climate action and environmental sustainability. In 2022, he pledged to transition Kenya’s electricity production away from fossil fuels by 2030, emphasizing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. As part of his environmental agenda, Ruto spearheaded the National Tree Growing Restoration campaign, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
On the international front, Ruto has worked to elevate Kenya’s geopolitical standing, positioning the country as a strategic partner for Western nations, particularly the United States. In 2023, Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African country to be designated a Major Non-NATO Ally, underscoring the country’s growing influence on the global stage.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his successes, Ruto’s political career has been marred by several controversies. One of the most notable issues was his involvement in the 2007-2008 post-election violence, for which he was indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the charges were dropped in 2016 due to lack of evidence and witness intimidation.
Ruto has also faced criticism over issues such as the Weston Hotel land dispute, where the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) claimed that the land on which Ruto’s hotel is built was public land. Other allegations, including involvement in the 2009 maize scandal and the KPC Ngong Forest land scandal, have also affected his political image.
More recently, his administration has faced scrutiny over his handling of protests related to tax hikes and the privatization of state-owned entities. These issues have sparked public unrest, leading to calls for greater transparency in government dealings.
Personal Life
Ruto is married to Rachel Chebet, with whom he has six children. He is an evangelical Christian and a member of the Africa Inland Church. Ruto’s humble beginnings in rural Kenya have shaped his personal and political identity, and his success story resonates with many Kenyans who see him as a symbol of perseverance.
In addition to his political career, Ruto is known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including a chicken farm in his hometown of Sugoi. This venture, which he started after working as a chicken hawker, has become a symbol of his “hustler” narrative.
