Rachel Nafula Ruto (born 20 November 1968) is a Kenyan educator currently serving as the first lady of Kenya. She is wife of William Ruto, the 5th president of Kenya, a former deputy president of Kenya. She was instrumental in assisting her husband’s campaign, often seen by his side. She is the Current First Lady of Kenya. She is also known for conducting countrywide prayers for the nation’s peace and her husband success in elections. From very humble beginnings, she rose to become a successful woman who many look up to for guidance and inspiration.
Early life of Rachel Nafula Ruto
Rachel Nafula was born in Kakamega county, Western Region on 20 November 1968. She is from the Luhya tribe based in Western Kenya.
Rachel Nafula Ruto Education and career
Rachel went to Likuyani Primary School, Kakamega County. She then proceeded to Butere Girls High School[1] for her O and A levels. From Butere. she got a chance to join Kenyatta University for a Bachelor’s of Education Degree. She went on to earn her Master of Arts in 2011 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Although she studied Education, she did not get a chance to practice teaching for long. She voluntarily retired and ventured into the tour business, taking people throughout the country to places like Maasai Mara and Mombasa.
Family
The Kenyatta University graduate is married to Dr. William Ruto and they are blessed with six children. The two started dating while at the university. Rachel was studying Education while her husband studied Botany. She has been a great support system in her husband’s political career. The couple adopted baby Nadia, who had been buried alive. They named the baby Cherono, after DP Ruto’s mother.
Activism and recognition
During her tenure as the Second Lady of Kenya, she became an advocate for women’s rights and women’s empowerment. Through the Joyful Women Organization, she spurred a table banking initiative throughout Kenya, and spreading to the rest of Africa.
On 17 January 2014, Rachel Ruto was awarded with the International Honorary Fellowship Award On Women Empowerment at the Binary University in Malaysia. She has been championing for healthy living through physical exercise such as cycling and launched Mama Cycling initiative in September to promote the practice.
