‘I am Mr Rachel’ – Ruto gives himself new name
By Paulette Mboga, November 27, 2025President William Ruto praised his wife, Rachel Ruto, during an event at Kasarani, where he joked that on this day, he was the one taking the supportive role.
Ruto, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, said the meeting did not belong to him and made it clear he only attended to stand with his wife as she led the event. Ruto opened his remarks by greeting the women and acknowledging those who had travelled from different places.
“Mama Rachel Ruto, friends of this great organisation pamoja na akina mama wote, bwana yesu asifiwe. Hamjambo? Asanteni sana kwa kuchukua muda wenu na kufika hapa Kasarani. Najua mmetoka katika sehemu tofauti tofauti,” he said.
He also mentioned Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, making a light joke about the cost of meals during the event. “Gavana wa Nairobi ametukaribisha. Nilikuwa nafikiria yeye ndiye atalipa bill ya pale kwa hoteli lakini amesema kila mtu alipe bill yake,” he said.
Ruto explained that he was not there to take over the programme, saying the day belonged to his wife. “Mimi niko hapa leo, hii mkutano si mkutano ya mimi ya kusema. Hii mktuno ni wa mama Racheal Ruto,” he said.
Supporting his wife
The President went on to describe the shift in roles during the event, saying he had come to support Mama Rachel just as she usually supports him. He added that he had no intention of giving a long speech, as the focus should remain on her.
“Ehh kawaida mama Rachel anaitwa Mrs Ruto lakini leo hapa mimi ni Mr Rachel. Si ni ukweli? Kwa sababu leo ni mimi nimekuja kum support. Kwa kawaida yeye anakuja kuni support,” he said.
Ruto then kept his word by keeping his comments short, but used the moment to congratulate his wife for her effort. He said she had worked hard and deserved recognition for the dedication she had shown in her work.
“Kwa hivyo maneno yangu nitafupisha. Kwanza nataka kumpongeza mama Rachel. Kwa bidi na kazi kubwa mliyofanya,” he said.
By the end of his brief address, Ruto stressed that the day was not about him but about appreciating Mama Racheal’s commitment. His message remained simple and direct, centred on thanking the women present and recognising the role his wife played in bringing the women together.