William Samoei Ruto Bio/Wiki
William Samoei Ruto is a prominent Kenyan politician and businessman who has served as Kenya’s fifth president since September 13, 2022. Prior to his presidency, he served as the Deputy President from April 3, 2013, to September 12, 2022, under the former President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta.
William Samoei Ruto’s Age
Ruto, born William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto, is 59 years old, turning 60 on December 21, 2026. He was born on December 21, 1966, in Kamagut, Kenya.
Education Background
Ruto began his early education at Kamagut Primary School before transferring to Kerotet Primary School, both based in Uasin Gishu County, and graduated with the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). Additionally, he proceeded to Wareng Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County, and later transferred to Kapsabet High School in Nandi County. He completed his Ordinary Level and Advanced Level education, respectively.
Upon completing his high school education, Ruto joined the University of Nairobi and graduated in 1990, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology. Subsequently, he also acquired a Master’s Degree in Plant Ecology, and later in 1991, he enrolled for a PhD, completing on December 21, 2018.
While pursuing his undergraduate studies at Nairobi University, Ruto was actively engaged in the Christian Union and also served as a member of the University’s choir. He met the second President, Daniel Arap Moi, through his church activities at the University, who later introduced him to active politics in the 1992 general elections.
William Samoei Ruto Career Experience
After graduating from the University, Ruto served as a temporary teacher in the North Rift region from 1990 to 1992. Within that period, he was also actively involved in church activities where he served as a leader of the Africa Inland Church (AIC) choir.
Political Career
Ruto began his political journey in 1992 after becoming the treasurer of the YK’92 campaign group. During that time, he was campaigning for President Moi’s re-election, from which he got early exposure to national politics. He unsuccessfully vied for various branch-level leadership positions through the KANU party after President Moi disbanded YK’92 right after the 1992 elections. During the 1997 general election, Ruto contested for a parliamentary position under the KANU ticket. He won the seat, defeating his opponent, Reuben Kiplagat Chesire. Additionally, he was later appointed as KANU’s Director of Elections and assistant minister in the Home Affairs (Interior) ministry. He was later promoted to a Cabinet Minister.
In 2006, Ruto publicly declared his intention to run for the presidency during the 2007 general election. Moreover, he desired and sought the nomination of the ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) as the party’s presidential candidate, but lost the party ticket to Raila Odinga. Eventually, the December 2007 presidential election ended in a disagreement, but Mwai Kibaki was sworn in as the President. Ruto was lucky and was appointed as the Minister for Agriculture. He also became a Member of Parliament for Eldoret North from 2008 to March 2013.
Ruto was, however, transferred from the Agriculture Ministry and posted to the Higher Education Ministry on April 21, 2010. He was relieved of his ministerial duties on 24 August 2011, but remained a member of parliament. Moreover, he later joined and formed the Jubilee Alliance Party with Uhuru Kenyatta for the 2013 presidential election.
Deputy presidency
While serving as the Deputy President of Kenya, Ruto was appointed Acting President by the then-President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta on October 6, 2014. This followed the President’s decision to temporarily step aside as he was summoned to appear before the ICC. Ruto filled in the gap between 6th and 9th October 2014, while the President was at the Hague.
During the 2017 August General Election, Ruto and Uhuru won the election for a second term. Unfortunately, the election was nullified by the Supreme Court of Kenya, following a fresh election in October 2017. They were again re-elected for the second time with 98% of the total votes cast and ruled from 2017 to 2022.
Presidency
Ruto publicly announced his alliance with the newly formed party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), in December 2020. Six days after the election held on August 9, 2022, Ruto won the presidential election, defeating Raila Odinga. He was inaugurated on 13 September 2022 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. He and his then deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, took over the office.
In 2024, tensions and rumors surfaced between Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, leading to his impeachment. After the impeachment, Ruto selected Kithure Kindiki to replace Gachagua, and he was sworn in on 1 November 2024.
ICC Controversy
Ruto was among the listed people indicated to pass through the trial at the International Code Council (ICC) for their various involvement in the 2007/2008 post-election violence. However, the case faced many challenges, especially the withdrawal of key prosecution witnesses, and in April 2016, the case against Ruto was dropped.
Height
Ruto has an approximate height of 5 feet and 7 inches, equal to 170.18 cm.
William Samoei Ruto’s Wife
Ruto has been married to his lovely wife, Rachel Chebet Ruto, a Kenyan Educator. She was born on November 20, 1969, and studied at Kenyatta University, where she earned a degree in Education. The couple met while at the University of Nairobi, during a Christian union rally. The two later got married in 1991 in a church ceremony at the AIC church, where they have remained active members. They have been blessed with six children and one adopted daughter.
Parents and Siblings
Ruto was born in Kamagut in the Rift Valley region to his parents, Daniel Cheruiyot (father) and Sarah Cheruiyot, commonly known as Mama Sarah. His Father hailed from the Kapkomoseek clan of the Kipsigis in Kericho, while his mother is of Nandi descent.
Ruto was raised in a religious family alongside his six siblings. The eldest, Paul Maritim Cheruiyot, and Samuel Ruto Cheruiyot, a successful entrepreneur and businessman, David Samoei Ruto, a financial manager, the late Harrison Kiptoo Ruto, and Susan Samoei Ruto.
William Samoei Ruto’s Children
Ruto, together with his precious wife, the first lady, is blessed with six children and an adopted daughter. They are as follows:
- June Ruto,
- George Kimutai Ruto,
- Charlene Ruto
- Nick Ruto,
- Stephanie Jepchumba Ruto,
- Abby Cherop Ruto
- Nadia Cherono(adopted)
William Samoei Ruto’s Net Worth
According to sources, Ruto has been ranked among the world’s wealthiest leaders. He has a net worth of $400M (KSH 51.7 Billion).
William Samoei Ruto’s Social Media Accounts
Ruto maintains an active social media presence, engaging the public on Twitter @WilliamsRuto with 6.9 M followers, Instagram @William Samoei Ruto with 551K, and Facebook @William Samoei Ruto with 3.9M followers.