President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, is holding her traditional engagement, known as a Koito ceremony, with Tanzanian entrepreneur and social-impact innovator Isaya Yunge on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Intonna Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The colourful ceremony has brought together family, friends and a notable gathering of Kenya Kwanza politicians and other high-profile guests, underlining the political and social significance of the occasion.
Among the dignitaries in attendance are Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei and Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto.
The event has taken on a distinctly African and cultural theme, with guests turning up in vibrant African-print outfits, elegant dresses and smart suits.
The venue has also been decorated with African-inspired patterns, creating a lively backdrop for photographs and adding to the traditional atmosphere. The dominant use of bright, earthy and colourful African fabrics has given the ceremony a warm and celebratory feel.
Koito is an important Kalenjin pre-marriage ceremony that formally brings together the families of a bride and groom.
It marks an important stage in the relationship and provides an opportunity for the bride’s family to bless her as she prepares to begin a new chapter of her life.
Yunge, a Tanzanian entrepreneur from Mwanza, is known for his work in technology, youth empowerment and social impact.
He founded SomaApp, a platform that has reportedly connected thousands of Africans with scholarship opportunities abroad. His work earned him the Queen’s Young Leaders Award in 2018, while in 2019 he was named an Ashoka Fellow and featured on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list.
Charlene is an advocate for youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable agriculture. She founded the SMACHS Foundation in 2022 and launched The Young People’s Network International in 2025 to connect and empower young people across Africa and beyond.
Her Koito comes nearly two years after she publicly asked American Televangelist Pastor Benny Hinn to pray that she would find a husband who would support her calling to serve young people.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is among the dignitaries expected to attend the high-profile ceremony, which brings together Kenyan and Tanzanian families, political leaders and friends to celebrate the couple.
