Charlene Ruto reveals why she chose fiancé Isaya Yunge
By William Muthama, August 23, 2026First Daughter Charlene Ruto has opened up about why she chose Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge, describing her fiancé as a man of faith, intelligence and purpose.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, August 23, 2026, Charlene dismissed the idea that Yunge’s nationality influenced her decision, saying what mattered most was his character.
“I don’t think I said yes to him because he’s Tanzanian. It’s the person that he is inside,” she said.
Charlene said she was drawn to Yunge because of his relationship with God and his sense of purpose.
“When I met him, I could definitely tell this is a man who loves God, who is after God’s own heart,” she said.
Faith and purpose
The President’s daughter said faith was an important quality she wanted in a partner.
She also praised Yunge’s intelligence and said their shared sense of purpose had strengthened their relationship.
“He’s very intelligent, very smart. And he has a purpose,” Charlene said.
“I think it’s very important to be with someone who has a purpose because I have a purpose. I know what I’m doing. I’ve been doing it for a while.”
Charlene said a relationship should allow both partners to add value to each other’s lives.
“If you’re not coming to add to it, then why are we together? And if I’m not coming to add to what you have as well,” she said.
She added: “I really believe he’s the one who God had kept for me.”
New chapter begins
Charlene and Yunge formally marked their engagement during a traditional Koito ceremony on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at President William Ruto’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The ceremony brought together the two families and marked a major step towards marriage.
The couple has since shared glimpses of their life together, attracting growing public interest in their relationship.
Asked whether anything had changed after moving from “Miss” to “Mrs”, Charlene laughed off the question.
“I don’t know. Let’s see how it goes. It’s just been two weeks. Still honeymoon,” she said.
Charlene, however, added that she and Yunge were still settling into the new chapter of their lives.
“So let’s see how it goes,” she said.