Early Life and Education
William Samoei Ruto was born on December 21, 1966, in Sambut village, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. He grew up in a poor family, which greatly influenced his outlook on life and his future political career.
Ruto’s early education began at Kamagut Primary School. He then attended Wareng Secondary School before transferring to Kapsabet High School to complete his secondary education.
After finishing high school, Ruto was admitted to the University of Nairobi. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Botany and Zoology. He graduated in 1990, but his thirst for knowledge didn’t end there.
Years later, Ruto returned to the University of Nairobi for further studies. He earned a Master’s degree in Plant Ecology in 2011. Showing his commitment to education, he continued his academic journey and achieved a Ph.D. in 2018, also from the University of Nairobi.
More Read
Start of Political Career
Ruto’s entry into politics began in the early 1990s. He became involved with a group called Youth for KANU 1992, which supported the then-President Daniel arap Moi. This experience gave him his first taste of political organizing and campaigning.
In 1997, Ruto took a significant step in his political career. He ran for office and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Eldoret North. This victory marked the beginning of his rise in Kenyan politics.
Government Roles
As Ruto’s political influence grew, he was appointed to various important positions in the government. He served as the Minister of Home Affairs, where he dealt with internal security matters.
Later, he became the Minister of Agriculture, a crucial role in Kenya’s largely agricultural economy. In this position, he worked on policies to improve farming and food security in the country.
Ruto also held the position of Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. This role allowed him to influence Kenya’s educational policies and scientific development.
However, his political journey hasn’t been without controversy. Ruto faced serious accusations related to the violence that occurred after the 2007 election. He was charged at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in these events. However, the charges were eventually dropped due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Deputy President
In 2013, Ruto’s political career reached new heights when he was elected as Deputy President of Kenya. He formed a political alliance with Uhuru Kenyatta, who became President. Their ticket was successful, and they were re-elected for a second term in 2017.
As Deputy President, Ruto became known for his aggressive political style. He was particularly skilled at grassroots mobilization, which helped him build a strong base of supporters across the country.
During this time, the Kenyatta-Ruto administration focused on various development projects. However, they also faced criticism over issues such as corruption and national unity.
Over time, Ruto’s relationship with President Kenyatta began to deteriorate. Their political ambitions diverged, leading to a public falling out that would shape the next phase of Ruto’s career.
Presidential Campaign
As the 2022 elections approached, Ruto decided to run for the presidency. He formed a new political party called the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to support his bid.
Ruto’s campaign strategy centered around what he called the “hustler” movement. This approach aimed to appeal to the lower and middle classes in Kenya. He positioned himself as a champion of ordinary citizens, promising economic empowerment and job creation.
His campaign resonated with many voters, especially those who felt left behind by previous administrations. Ruto’s message of economic opportunity and his own story of rising from poverty struck a chord with many Kenyans.
The election was closely contested, but Ruto emerged victorious. He won with 50.49% of the vote, defeating his main rival, Raila Odinga. On September 13, 2022, William Ruto was sworn in as the 5th President of Kenya.
Personal Life
William Ruto is married to Rachel Chebet, and together they have six children. Family plays an important role in his life and is often featured in his public image.
Ruto is a devout Christian and a member of the Africa Inland Church. His faith is not just a personal matter but also a significant part of his public persona. He frequently uses religious language and references in his speeches and public appearances.
Ruto’s early life experiences of hardship continue to influence his political narrative. He often refers to his humble beginnings when addressing the public, using his personal story to connect with ordinary citizens.
Leadership Style and Challenges
As President, Ruto faces the complex task of governing a diverse nation. He needs to navigate issues of national unity, economic development, and international relations.
His leadership style is characterized by his “Bottom-Up Economic Model,” which he promised during his campaign. This approach focuses on empowering small businesses and creating opportunities for the unemployed.
Ruto’s presidency is being closely watched both within Kenya and internationally. His ability to fulfill his campaign promises, particularly regarding economic growth and job creation, will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure.
The challenges he faces are significant. Kenya, like many countries, is dealing with economic pressures, including inflation and unemployment. Ruto’s administration also needs to address issues of corruption, which have long been a concern in Kenyan politics.
As he leads the nation, Ruto’s past experiences, both in politics and in his personal life, continue to shape his approach to governance. His journey from a village in Uasin Gishu to the presidency of Kenya remains a powerful narrative in his political story.