Charlene Ruto Holds Traditional ‘Koito’ Ceremony in Kilgoris

President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, is holding her traditional wedding ceremony on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Kilgoris, Narok County, as details of the private family event continue to attract public attention.

The ceremony, described in reports as a Koito ak Chaik, is taking place at the Ruto family’s Intonna Farm in Kilgoris and is described it as an engagement and farewell ceremony.

Reports have also linked Charlene to Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaiah Yunke, although the relationship and his participation in Saturday’s ceremony have not been independently confirmed by the family or an official government source.

A report published by TUKO earlier this week said an invitation for the ceremony had circulated online, with the event expected to involve the two families and traditional marriage negotiations.

What is a Koito ceremony?

Koito is a traditional marriage ceremony practised among the Kalenjin communities. It traditionally brings together the families of the bride and groom for formal introductions, negotiations and the fulfilment of marriage-related cultural obligations.

The ceremony can include discussions around dowry and other family arrangements before a couple proceeds to a church or civil wedding.

The Ruto family has previously held similar ceremonies. Charlene’s elder brother, Nick Ruto, held his Koito ceremony with Evelyn Chemutai in January 2022. The ceremony was attended by members of the Ruto family and several political figures.

President Ruto later referred to the occasion while celebrating the birth of Nick and Evelyn’s child, recalling that the family had travelled to Laikipia to pay dowry.

Charlene is the third-born child of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. She studied communications at Daystar University and later pursued a master's degree in hospitality and business administration at Les Roches in Switzerland. She has been involved in youth-focused initiatives, public relations and community activities.

The reported ceremony comes after years of public interest in Charlene’s personal life. In February 2024, she attracted attention after asking televangelist Benny Hinn to pray for her to find a husband during a public event at Nyayo Stadium. She later spoke about previous relationships and heartbreak.

Charlene, who turned 33 in January 2026, has remained one of the more publicly visible members of the President’s family, frequently appearing at social, charitable and public events. Her brother George Ruto publicly celebrated her birthday earlier this year.

As the reported Koito ceremony takes place, attention is expected to focus on the traditional proceedings, the families involved and whether Charlene and her reported partner will make their relationship public.

LiveNow Africa will continue monitoring the ceremony and will update this story as independently verifiable details emerge.