First Lady Rachel Ruto has blessed her daughter Charlene Chelegat following her traditional Kalenjin Koito ceremony with Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.
The ceremony was held on Saturday, August 8, at Intonna Heritage Farm in Naserian Village, Kilgoris Town, Narok County, marking a significant step in the couple’s union.
In a heartfelt message, Rachel prayed for God’s guidance and protection as Charlene begins a new chapter of her life and prepares to build her marriage with Yunge.
In a series of posts on X, Rachel congratulated her daughter and reflected on watching her grow into adulthood.
“My dear Charlene, today I bless you with a heart full of love, gratitude, and joy. Watching you grow into the beautiful woman you are has been one of my greatest blessings,” Rachel wrote.
She also prayed for God’s guidance and protection as Charlene begins a new chapter of her life with Yunge.
“May God go before you, guide your steps, protect you, and bless the home you are about to build. May your marriage be filled with love, patience, wisdom, peace, and lasting joy,” she said.
Rachel concluded the message with a biblical blessing and expressed her love for her daughter.
“May the Lord bless you, keep you, and make His face shine upon you. I love you dearly, my daughter. Congratulations!” she posted.
The Koito ceremony is a traditional Kalenjin practice through which a bride is formally given away, with family elders overseeing bridewealth discussions and symbolically bringing two families together.
During the ceremony, Mursik, a fermented sour milk traditionally associated with agreement and blessings, was shared among family representatives. The proceedings also featured traditional Kalenjin songs and dances.
Charlene wore a floor-length olive-green gown with long fitted sleeves and a belt decorated with white cowrie shells around her waist.
Guests were dressed according to a brown-and-green theme inspired by the natural surroundings of the venue. A traditional cake decorated with a Sotet, a Kalenjin gourd associated with life and nourishment, was also featured.
The ceremony was hosted formally under the names of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.
Charlene’s fiancé, Isaya Yunge, is a 36-year-old Tanzanian technology and social entrepreneur. He founded Goodsam Technologies and SomaApp, a platform connecting African students with international scholarship opportunities.
Yunge has also been recognised as a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree and received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award.
The high-profile ceremony attracted senior government officials and political leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and ODM leader Oburu Odinga.
Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale, Kipchumba Murkomen and Eric Mugaa also attended, alongside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Lang’ata MP Jalang’o and Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto.
The gathering drew considerable attention, with numerous helicopters and luxury vehicles arriving at the venue.
The ceremony brought together cultural traditions, family celebrations and prominent political figures as Charlene and Yunge formally began a new stage in their relationship.