Inside Charlene Ruto’s Traditional Engagement in Kilgoris

President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Chelagat Ruto, is today undergoing her Koito ak Chaik, a traditional Kalenjin engagement and farewell ceremony, at the family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Naserian Village, Kilgoris Town, Narok County.

The event, which began at 10:00 a.m., was formally resided by President William Samoei Ruto and First Lady Rachel Chebet Ruto. 

The invitation described it as the “Koito ak Chaik (Engagement and Farewell)” of their daughter and included a Bible verse from Psalms 91:11: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

Koito ak Chaik is a significant pre-marriage rite among the Kalenjin community. “Koito” refers to the formal engagement process that includes dowry negotiations between the two families, while “Chaik” marks the bride’s farewell from her parental home. 

Elders typically…