Charlene Ruto’s engagement: A look inside her Koito ceremony
By William Muthama, August 8, 2026Pictures from President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony have given the public a first look inside the traditional engagement and farewell celebration held in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, brought together a high-profile group of government officials, politicians, friends and other guests, many of whom were seen dressed for the occasion.
The event follows weeks of speculation sparked by an invitation card bearing the names of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, which announced the Koito ak Chaik for their daughter, Charlene Chelagat Ruto.
Invitation sparks weeks of speculation
The invitation, seen by K24 Digital, described the event as the Koito ak Chaik, a traditional engagement and farewell ceremony for Charlene.
“We, the family of Dr William Samoei Ruto and Mrs Rachel Chebet Ruto, warmly invite you to the Koito ak Chaik (Engagement and Farewell) of their daughter Charlene Chelagat Ruto.”
The card stated that the ceremony would be held at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris Town, Naserian Village, Narok County, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
It also featured a Bible verse from Psalm 91:11, which reads: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
The invitation quickly drew public attention and fuelled speculation about Charlene’s reported plans to get married.
Jalang’o, Sakaja and Passaris spotted
Among the notable guests spotted making their way to Kilgoris were Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.
Jalang’o shared a glimpse of their arrival, posting a picture of himself alongside Sakaja, Passaris and Nyamu as they headed to the ceremony.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Esther Passaris and Karen Nyamu arrive in Kilgoris for Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony.PHOTO/www.facebook.com/MzeeJalangoMwenyewe
“This is how we enter Kilgoris for Charlene’s wedding! We have a wedding!!” Jalang’o said.
The group appeared dressed in elegant outfits as they joined other guests for the celebration.
Government officials among guests
Other prominent figures spotted at the ceremony included Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Bomet Senator Hilary Sigei and Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs also appeared to confirm the occasion after congratulating Charlene in a social media post.
“Big day for a Comrade. Congratulations, my sister Charlene Ruto, on your Koito ak Chaik,” Jacobs wrote.
Musician Leshao Leshao also shared a glimpse from the gathering, posting a photograph with some of the guests.
Brown and green dominate the décor
Photos from the ceremony show guests embracing a mixture of traditional and formal fashion.
Brown and earthy tones featured prominently among the outfits, with several guests seen in brown-toned looks and colourful African-inspired clothing.
Nyamu was among those photographed in a striking brown outfit, while other guests also appeared to embrace similar earthy shades.
The venue décor followed a complementary colour scheme, with green blended with brown forming the dominant visual theme.
African-inspired patterns and decorative elements were incorporated into the setting, creating a cultural yet elegant atmosphere for the traditional ceremony.
Guests pose for photographs
Several guests were photographed outdoors on a lawn beside a decorated backdrop bearing Charlene’s name.
The photographs provide a glimpse into the celebrations, with guests posing together and enjoying the occasion.
The decorated photo area featured African-inspired patterns and colours that complemented the wider theme of the ceremony.
What is Koito ak Chaik?
Koito ak Chaik is a traditional Kalenjin ceremony associated with marriage preparations.
The ceremony serves as both an engagement and farewell, bringing together family members, friends and guests as the bride’s family formally blesses her before she begins married life.
It marks an important cultural milestone and is traditionally accompanied by celebrations involving relatives and members of the wider community.