Rachel Ruto
Rachel Ruto | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Rachel Ruto in 2014 | |
| First Lady of Kenya | |
| Assumed role 13 September 2022 | |
| President | William Ruto |
| Preceded by | Margaret Kenyatta |
| Second Lady of Kenya | |
| In role 9 April 2013 – 13 September 2022 | |
| President | Uhuru Kenyatta |
| Preceded by | Pauline Musyoka |
| Succeeded by | Dorcas Gachagua |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Rachel Chebet 20 November 1968 Likuyani, Kakamega, Kenya. |
| Political party | UDA |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 6 |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Educator |
Rachel Chebet Ruto (born 20 November 1968) is a Kenyan educator currently serving as the First Lady of Kenya. She is the wife to William Ruto, the fifth and current President of Kenya. She was instrumental in assisting her husband's campaign, often seen by his side.
Early life
Rachel Chebet was born in Likuyani, Kakamega County, Western Region on 20 November 1968. [1]
Education and career
She went to Likuyani Primary School, Kakamega County. She then proceeded to Butere Girls High School[2] for her O and A levels. She got a chance to join Kenyatta University where she pursuit a Bachelor’s of Education Degree. She went on to earn her Master’s of Arts in 2011 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Although she studied Education, she did not get a chance to practice teaching for long. She voluntarily retired and ventured into the tour business, taking people throughout the country to places like Maasai Mara and Mombasa.
Activism and recognition
During her tenure as the Second Lady of Kenya, she became an advocate for women's rights and women's empowerment. Through the Joyful Women Organization, she spurred a table banking initiative throughout Kenya, and spreading to the rest of Africa.[3]
On 17 January 2014, Rachel Ruto was awarded with the International Honorary Fellowship Award On Women Empowerment at the Binary University in Malaysia.[4]
She has been championing for healthy living through physical exercise such as cycling and launched Mama Cycling initiative in September to promote the practice.[5]
Family
Rachel and William were married in 1991[6] at the AIC church. They met while they were in university at a Christian Union rally at the University of Nairobi. Rachel was studying education at Kenyatta University while her husband was taking botany and zoology at the University of Nairobi. The couple is blessed with six children. The couple adopted baby Nadia, who had been buried alive. They named the baby Cherono, after Ruto’s mother. [7]
References
- ^ "Get to know the incoming first lady Rachael Ruto". The Star. 2022-09-05. Retrieved 2022-09-22.
- ^ Nyanchwani, Silas. "Where Manduli, Rachel Ruto were among the best". Standard Entertainment and Lifestyle. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ "About JoyWo."
- ^ "Deputy President's Wife Rachel Ruto Gets Awarded With A Prestigious International Award". Ulizalinks.co.ke. 17 January 2014.
- ^ Mabonga, Masolo (2020-12-20). "Rachel Ruto cycles for 146km to promote non-motorised mode of transport". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 2021-06-17.
- ^ "Rachel Ruto hosts Bishop who officiated wedding with Ruto". The Star. 2022-09-16. Retrieved 2022-09-22.
- ^ "Rachel Ruto Biography, Age, Education, Family Career and Projects". The Informer whownskenya. 2022-09-22. Retrieved 2022-09-22.