By The Weekly Vision Reporter
In a vibrant display of tradition, family and East African solidarity, Charlene Chelagat Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, marked a significant milestone in her personal journey on Saturday, 8 August 2026. The first daughter’s traditional Koito ak Chaik, an engagement and farewell ceremony, took place at the family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, and attracted a glittering array of political leaders, business figures and friends from across Kenya and beyond. The occasion formalised Charlene’s engagement to Isaya Yunge, a 36-year-old Tanzanian technology entrepreneur, innovator and social-impact advocate from Mwanza.
Yunge, born on 23 March 1990, is the founder and chief executive of Somaapps Technologies, best known for the SomaApp platform that connects African students with scholarship opportunities. He has also developed other ventures, including AI-driven tools and health-related smart devices. Recognised on Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list and as a recipient of the Queen’s Young Leaders Award presented by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, Yunge has built a reputation for using technology to address challenges facing young people across the continent.
The Koito, a key Kalenjin cultural rite that combines formal engagement with a parental blessing and farewell as the bride prepares for married life, began in the morning at the expansive family property in Naserian Village. Guests arrived to a setting blending traditional elements with modern elegance- colourful African-print attire mixed with formal suits and dresses, decorated backdrops, and outdoor gatherings on the lawn.
Charlene was presented by her mother, First Lady Rachel Ruto, alongside Mama Ida Odinga in a moment of warmth. Among the who’s who in attendance were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and a host of legislators including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), Belgut MP Nelson Koech and others such as Opiyo Wandayi and Raila Odinga Junior.
CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo, a prominent Kenyan journalist known for his work covering African affairs, was among the notable guests. He was spotted sharing light moments with President Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi. President Ruto later expressed gratitude to the guests, noting that their presence had lent added significance to the family occasion. The ceremony has been widely described as a win for the East African Community, uniting a Kenyan daughter with a Tanzanian son and symbolising the deeper bonds of history, culture, commerce and shared aspirations between the two nations.
