William Samoei Ruto is the 5th President of Kenya, having assumed office on September 13, 2022. His journey to the presidency was shaped by his humble beginnings and his rise through the ranks of Kenyan politics. Ruto’s career has been defined by his commitment to serving the people of Kenya, although it has also been marked by controversies and challenges.
Early Life and Background
William Ruto was born on December 21, 1966, in Sambut, a small village in Uasin Gishu County. He grew up in a modest home, where his father worked as a farmer. Despite the financial constraints his family faced, Ruto showed a strong desire for education. He attended Kamagut Primary School and later went on to Wareng Secondary School, where his passion for learning became evident.
After completing his secondary education, Ruto enrolled at the University of Nairobi. Here, he pursued a degree in Botany and Zoology and later earned a Master’s degree and PhD in Plant Ecology. His academic achievements laid the foundation for his entry into the world of politics, even though his political journey began in the streets, selling chicken to support his education.
William Ruto Political Journey From MP to Deputy President
Ruto’s political career began in 1997, when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Eldoret North. His early political years were marked by his association with the Kenya African National Union (KANU), the party that was once the dominant political force in Kenya. Over the years, Ruto climbed the political ladder, becoming a key figure in the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) that helped bring Mwai Kibaki to power in 2002.
Despite initially being a loyal member of Kibaki’s administration, Ruto’s political ambitions were stronger than his loyalty to any single party. In 2007, he ran for the position of Deputy President but was defeated by Raila Odinga. However, after President Uhuru Kenyatta was elected in 2013, Ruto became the Deputy President of Kenya.
Ruto served as Deputy President from 2013 to 2022, under President Uhuru Kenyatta. During this period, he was a vocal proponent of the “hustler” movement, a term he coined to describe the common Kenyan striving for success against the odds. This grassroots approach, which promised to empower ordinary citizens, became a key part of his political brand.
Presidency The 2022 Election and Its Aftermath
The 2022 general elections marked a pivotal moment in Ruto’s political career. Running as the candidate of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, Ruto’s campaign was focused on issues such as economic growth, job creation, and empowerment of the youth. His message resonated with many Kenyans, especially those in the lower-income brackets who felt left behind by the political elite.
In a tightly contested election, Ruto emerged victorious, defeating his long-time political rival Raila Odinga. This marked the culmination of a 20-year-long political journey for Ruto. His victory was not without controversy, as allegations of electoral malpractice were raised, but the results were upheld by the Kenyan Supreme Court.
Upon his swearing-in as President of Kenya, Ruto immediately faced the daunting task of addressing the country’s economic challenges. The new president inherited a nation grappling with high inflation, an unsustainable debt burden, and growing unemployment rates.
William Ruto Leadership and Policies
As President, Ruto has made it clear that he intends to focus on job creation, supporting small businesses, and improving Kenya’s infrastructure. One of his flagship policies is the establishment of the Hustler Fund, which aims to provide affordable loans to entrepreneurs in the informal sector. Ruto believes that empowering small business owners is key to addressing Kenya’s economic challenges.
Ruto has also pushed for agricultural reform, recognizing that the majority of Kenya’s population relies on farming for their livelihoods. His administration has made moves to improve access to agricultural inputs, as well as better market access for farmers.
However, Ruto’s presidency has not been without its critics. His policies, especially in the areas of taxation and public debt, have sparked protests. Many Kenyans have expressed concerns over rising living costs and the effectiveness of his administration’s approach to addressing the country’s problems.
William Ruto Personal Life Family and Net Worth
William Ruto is married to Rachel Chebet Ruto, with whom he has six children. The couple’s family life has been relatively private, with Ruto focusing more on his public duties as a politician. His children, including his sons and daughters, have occasionally appeared in the media, though they generally lead private lives away from the public eye.
Ruto’s wealth has been a subject of much discussion. He is considered one of Kenya’s wealthiest leaders, with an estimated net worth in the range of Ksh 51.7 billion (roughly US$400 million). His wealth comes from a variety of sources, including agricultural ventures, real estate, and businesses. Ruto’s significant land holdings and involvement in several business ventures have contributed to his fortune.
Despite his wealth, Ruto continues to portray himself as a champion of the ordinary Kenyan. His “hustler” rhetoric is a key part of his public persona, allowing him to maintain a strong connection with Kenya’s working-class population.
Controversies The ICC Case and Allegations of Corruption
Ruto’s political career has not been without controversy. Perhaps the most notable chapter in his career occurred in 2010, when he was indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in the 2007–2008 post-election violence in Kenya. Ruto faced charges of crimes against humanity, but the case was eventually dismissed in 2016 after the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence.
Despite the ICC case being dropped, Ruto’s critics have continued to accuse him of corruption and involvement in other scandals. His rise to power has been accompanied by concerns over the transparency of his wealth and his political dealings. While Ruto denies these allegations, they remain a point of contention in his presidency.
Conclusion
William Ruto’s presidency is still in its early days, but his political journey has already left an indelible mark on Kenya’s history. His rise from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land is a testament to his political skill and resilience. However, his presidency faces significant challenges, from economic struggles to the ongoing battle against corruption.
As Ruto continues to implement his policies, the eyes of the nation will remain firmly fixed on his leadership. Whether he will fulfill the promises of his campaign and lead Kenya into a more prosperous future remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: William Ruto has firmly established himself as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
