William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto, a prominent Kenyan politician and the 11th Deputy President, has had a remarkable journey in Kenyan politics. Born on December 21, 1966, in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County, Ruto’s life has been an intriguing blend of education, faith, and politics. In this blog post, we delve into his life story, career, controversies, and personal life, shedding light on the man who is set to become Kenya’s president.
William Ruto Early Life and Education:
William Ruto, hailing from the Kalenjin community in the Rift Valley Province, began his educational journey at Kerotet Elementary School in Nandi County. He continued his schooling at Wareng Secondary School and Kapsabet Boys High School, where he completed his primary, Ordinary Level, and Advanced Level education.
Ruto’s academic pursuits led him to the University of Nairobi, where he studied botany and zoology, earning a bachelor’s degree in both disciplines in 1990. Following his undergraduate studies, he embarked on a Ph.D. program at the University of Nairobi, culminating in the award of his Ph.D. on December 21, 2018. One of his notable academic contributions is a paper titled “Plant Species Diversity and Composition of Two Wetlands in the Nairobi National Park, Kenya.”
During his university days, Ruto was actively involved in the Christian Union and even served as the choir’s chairman at the University of Nairobi. It was through his church work at the university that he crossed paths with President Daniel Arap Moi, who later introduced him to the world of politics during the 1992 general elections.
William Ruto Career:
From 1997 to 2013, William Ruto served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Eldoret North under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) banner. His political journey included stints as the Minister of Home Affairs from August to December 2002, Minister of Agriculture from 2008 to 2010, and Minister of Higher Education from April to October 2010.
In the 2013 election, Ruto, a member of the United Republican Party, teamed up with Uhuru Kenyatta of The National Alliance to run for the position of vice president. Their ticket secured a majority of the votes, marking his rise in Kenyan politics. Subsequently, in the 2017 Kenyan general election, he and Uhuru Kenyatta clinched the deputy presidency under the Jubilee Party.
In 2022, Ruto participated in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential primary and emerged victorious with 50% of the vote, further solidifying his political stature.
Controversy:
William Ruto’s political career has not been without controversy. He has faced several land grab lawsuits and scandals, involving many Kenyan state enterprises. Consequently, he has been colloquially referred to as “Arap-Mashamba,” a term that roughly translates to “son of lands.”
William Ruto Personal Life:
Beyond politics, William Ruto has a family life. He is married to Rachel Chebet, and their union began in 1991. Their first child, Nick Ruto, was born when they were living in Dagoretti.
Ruto’s entrepreneurial spirit also shines through. After a period of working as a live chicken hawker along the Nairobi-Eldoret highway, he established a substantial chicken farm in his hometown of Sugoi.
FAQs:
- What is William Ruto’s net worth? William Ruto is one of the wealthiest Kenyan politicians, with an estimated net worth of around $300,000.
- What is his educational background? Ruto holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi, where he completed a program in botany and zoology.
- What are some of the positions he held in the Kenyan government? William Ruto has served as Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Higher Education during his political career.
In conclusion
William Ruto’s journey from a humble beginning in Kamagut to becoming a key player in Kenyan politics is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination. His life has been marked by both achievements and controversies, making him a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape. As he prepares to assume the highest office in the country, his journey continues to captivate the nation’s attention.
