What is Koito and why was Charlene Ruto’s ceremony held in Kilgoris instead of Sugoi?
By William Muthama, August 11, 2026President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted the traditional Kalenjin engagement ceremony of their daughter, Charlene Chelagat Ruto, at Intonna Heritage Farm in Naserian Village, Kilgoris, Narok County, bringing together the Ruto family and that of her fiancé, Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.
The ceremony, known as Koito ak Chaik, meaning engagement and farewell, marked the formal union of the two families ahead of the couple’s marriage.
What is Koito?
Koito, which roughly translates as “to give away”, is a central Kalenjin rite of passage marking a couple’s formal intention to marry.
It is traditionally the stage when the groom’s family visits the bride’s family to negotiate the bridewealth, seek blessings from the elders, and formally unite the two families.
The negotiations are conducted privately by selected elders and spokespeople from both families. Once an agreement is reached, the union is traditionally sealed by sharing mursik, a fermented milk drink.
The couple also receives advice on marriage and family life, while symbolic gifts may be exchanged between the families.
The formal proceedings are usually followed by a colourful celebration featuring traditional songs, dances, food and communal festivities.
Although practices can vary among different Kalenjin sub-groups, the core elements of the ceremony remain largely similar.
In modern times, Koito has become one of the most prominent stages of the Kalenjin marriage process and, in some cases, has merged with or overshadowed later wedding celebrations.
Charlene’s ceremony followed this cultural tradition, with high-profile guests including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries, parliamentary leaders and relatives from Tanzania attending the event.
Guests dressed in earth-toned, Green and African-inspired attire as traditional performances accompanied the celebrations, while elders presided over the rites and the couple received blessings from their families.
Why Kilgoris Instead of Sugoi?
The choice of Kilgoris as the venue also attracted attention because President Ruto’s long-established rural home is in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu County, near where he grew up and where he maintains a mixed farm.
However, the First Family has increasingly spent time at its Kilgoris property, making Intonna Heritage Farm an important private family residence.
Intonna Heritage Farm, also referred to as Ntonna or Intona Ranch, is a roughly 900-acre property that Ruto acquired in 2015 from the estate of former Vice President Joseph Murumbi.
The property features a large mansion, livestock operations, an airstrip and extensive grounds, providing the privacy and space required for major family gatherings.
In recent years, Ruto has increasingly favoured Kilgoris, spending Christmas and end-of-year holidays there with his family instead of at Sugoi.
Kilgoris as a growing family base
The property has hosted several notable visitors and events over the years.
In December 2024, Ruto welcomed Ghana’s then President-elect John Dramani Mahama to the ranch, with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also present. Their discussions touched on Kenya-Ghana relations, trade, agriculture, mining and tourism.
Former African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has also visited the property.
On March 30, 2024, Ruto chaired a high-level security meeting at the ranch focused on the North Rift.
More recently, in July 2026, he appeared in support of a grassroots football tournament organised by his son George, which brought together 24 local teams.
Family farm visits involving First Lady Rachel Ruto and community engagements have also become regular features at the property.
Holding Koito at the bride’s family home is consistent with the traditional nature of the ceremony.
With Kilgoris increasingly serving as the Ruto family’s principal private residence outside State House, the choice of Intonna Heritage Farm was both practical and personal, providing a spacious, private and secure setting for the significant family occasion.