William Ruto

DATE OF BIRTH


December 21, 1966

GENDER


Male

OCCUPATION


Politician, Botanist

FAMILY


Married Rachel in 1991

BIOGRAPHY


He was born in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu County in 1966. 

Education background: Early schooling at Kamagut Primary, then joined Wareng Secondary School, followed by Kapsabet Boys High School for his A levels. He joined the University of Nairobi where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology in 1990. He returned to same university years later and graduated with a Master of Science degree in 2011 and PhD in 2018.

Dr Ruto has served as Kenya’s deputy president since 2013 when he was elected as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s running mate. In October 2014, he served as acting President when Mr Kenyatta briefly relinquished power to attend to his criminal case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. Mr Kenyatta's charges were later dropped.

In 2011, he was named among the six individuals who planned and sponsored the 2007/08 post-election violence in which 1,200 people were killed and many others displaced over a disputed following a disputed presidential election. Dr Ruto was charged alongside journalist Joshua Arap Sang with crimes against humanity (murder, deportation or forcible transfer of population and persecution) during violence that followed the 2007 elections. The trial of Dr Ruto and Mr Sang opened on 10 September 2013. 

Dr Ruto's case at the ICC also collapsed in 2016. At the time, the court ruled there was insufficient evidence after crucial witnesses withdrew

He was a co-founder and key member of the infamous Youth for Kanu 1992 (YK92), a lobby group that campaigned for late President Daniel Moi in the 1992 general elections. Earlier, he had met Mr Moi, his political mentor, through his involvement in church activities. 

He was first elected to Parliament in 1997 as MP for Eldoret North. Dr Ruto served as an assistant minister in the Office of the President from 1998 to 2002 when he was elevated to cabinet as Minister for Home Affairs following the sacking of George Saitoti by Mr Moi after disagreements over the 2002 succession. Dr Ruto has also served as Minister for Agriculture and Higher Education. 

Dr Ruto opposed the referendum on the new Constitution in 2005 and 2010. 

He set his eyes on the 2022 presidential election which he contested on a UDA ticket under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. 

On August 15, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair Wafula Chebukati declared Dr Ruto Kenya's President elect after garnering 50.49 percent of the vote against Raila Odinga's 48.85 percent. 

Mr Odinga challenged the results at the Supreme Court. However, the seven-judge bench upheld Dr Ruto's win. The court said it found no evidence of hacking and that no evidence was produced to show that Mr Chebukati and other IEBC staff were involved. 


Latest articles on William Ruto:

  1. Fallout in Ruto camp over Kenyatta land invasion

    There are also claims that a plan to shut down the internet during the Monday protests was opposed by President Ruto.

    Some of the Individuals who invaded part of the Kenyatta family-owned Northlands City and stole livestock
  2. Western embassies call on Raila, Ruto to resolve differences

    The diplomats also asked all actors to ensure adherence to the rule of law.

    President William Ruto (left) and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.  
  3. Ruto meets US senator who nudged Uhuru-Raila handshake

    The US senator is credited for urging President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga to have a dialogue after the 2017 presidential election debacle.

    Christopher Coons uhuru kenyatta ruto
  4. Raila says protests still on

    He accused Ruto and Gachagua of sponsoring the invasion of “people’s lands and businesses”, but he did not provide evidence of his claims.

    Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga
  5. Pressure mounts to have military take charge of bandit war in the North

    Baringo MPs say continued attacks by bandits was an indication that security forces assigned the task are unable to tame the insecurity menace

    An Armored Personnel Carrier on the Mochongoi-Kasiela-Chemorongion-Marigat road In Baringo County on March 16, 2023
  6. Ruto meets German investors in Berlin, invites them to Kenya

    Dr Ruto says Kenya stands to benefit from the world's most experienced, organized and resourced establishments from Germany.

    Ruto in Germany
  7. David Ndii’s economic team gets Sh204 million for cars, office rent

    Sh92 million will be used for the purchase of new cars for the new officials that fall under the office of the President.

    David Ndii
  8. MUHURI calls out IG Koome over withdrawal of Azimio leaders’ security

    The body says the IG should be held responsible for any life lost during demos.

    The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome
  9. DCI left with egg on face after posting false photos of Monday rioters

    Some of the photos used were taken as far back as 2008, others in Burundi.

    Taifa Leo
  10. Police repulse rowdy youth at Ruto's Kisii meeting

    The rowdy youth temporarily stopped the event as they chanted "bado mapambano"

  11. MP Keynan urges Raila to call off demos during Ramadhan

    Nothing substantial can support the Azimio political strategy of protesting.

  12. Why Kaimosi University wants students to defer studies

    On Wednesday, Helb told Parliament that the students will have to wait till the Treasury releases Sh5.7 billion.

  13. Gender rule still elusive at top echelons of government

    Women currently occupy 34 top positions in different ministries as Cabinet Secretaries, PS or CAS.

  14. Ruto sidesteps petition as CASs are sworn in ahead of hearing

    The AG said the petitioner, Eliud Karanja Matindi, erred in suing the President in his personal capacity.

    Millicent Omanga, Denis Itumbi, Evans Kidero and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru cas
  15. Ex-CoB, former solicitor general land jobs in Ruto’s govt

    Ms Odhiambo will now head Government Delivery Services as Mr Ogeto takes up role as President’s legal advisor.

    Kennedy Ogeto and Agnes Odhiambo
  16. No, thanks: Raila, Gachagua tell clergy over calls for handshake

    Raila insists that all he wants is the truth about last year’s election and solution to his demands.

    Raila Odinga and Rigathi Gachagua
  17. Coincidence? Ruto and Raila will be in Gusii region at the same time

    While Dr Ruto tours the region, Mr Odinga will be a few kilometres away at a burial.

    President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
  18. Will Ruto, Raila agree to talks?

    Rival camps urged to put the country first.

    President William Ruto with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium
  19. Ruto, Raila take their battles to the international community

    Ruto now wants international and diplomatic missions to censure Raila over claims of orchestrating violence.

    President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
  20. Ramadhan to start tomorrow as Muslims call for Raila, Ruto truce

    The faithful have been urged to be united as they start observing their fast and avoid anything that would interfere with their fast.

    Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims Chairman Hassan Ole Naado

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