William Ruto, born William Kipchirchir Samoei Ruto is a veteran Kenyan politician and President-elect after being announced as the winner of the August 9th, 2022 general election. The UDA gaffer has served as Kenya’s Deputy President for 10 years from 2013 to 2022 alongside Uhuru Kenyatta, the outgoing President of Kenya. Ruto is well known as a soft-spoken leader who stands firm with what he believes in.
Ruto rose to prominence during Moi’s era when he joined the famous group dubbed Youths for KANU 92 (YK92). He went on to establish his name on the political scene when he was elected as a member of parliament representing the people of Eldoret South in 1998. His political star started shining from that point and he has risen in the ranks to being the president-elect in a span of 24 years.
William Ruto Age and Place of Birth
William Samoe Ruto was born in a small village in Uasin Gishu county called Sambut. He was born on December 21, 1966.
William Ruto Parents
Ruto is the son of the late Daniel Cheruiyot and Sarah Cheruiyot. He was raised in a humble family. His parents didn’t have much and offer apart from the basic needs
William Ruto Education Background
He began his schooling at Kerotet Primary School for elementary education before joining Wareng Secondary. After that, he joined Kapsabet Boys High School for his secondary education.
After completing his secondary education, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology in 1990.
He then advanced and pursued a master’s and doctorate degree still from the University of Nairobi. He acquired his master’s in 2011 and his doctorate in 2018.
William Ruto Wife and Kids
Ruto is a husband to Rachel Chebet and a proud father of seven, Nick Ruto, June Ruto, Charlene Ruto, Stephanie Ruto, George Ruto, Nadia Cherop, and Abby Ruto.
Career
Political Career
Before joining politics Ruto worked as a teacher in the North Rift part of Kenya during his University days.
His political journey began when he met his political father the late former president Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi. The then young man met Moi through his church leadership at the University of Nairobi.
In 1992, he found his way into the government after he was recruited as the Treasurer for YK’92, a youth group that was formed to campaign for Moi’s re-election during the 1992 general election. Given this opportunity, he managed to learn the tricks of Kenyan politics and went ahead to cement his name in that field.
In 1998 he decided to dive deeper into politics after he contested for Eldoret North parliamentary seat on the KANU ticket. He went on to win the election and in 2002 he was appointed to serve as Minister of Home Affairs heading that docket for only five months.