William Ruto

William Ruto (born December 21, 1966) is the 5th and current President of Kenya, having assumed office on September 13, 2022. Prior to his presidency, Ruto served as the Deputy President of Kenya from 2013 to 2022 under President Uhuru Kenyatta. A prominent figure in Kenyan politics, Ruto has been involved in several political movements and parties throughout his career. 

Early Life and Education

William Samoei Arap Ruto was born in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu Country, Kenya. He grew up in a modest family and attended local schools. He studied at Kerotet Primary School and later at Wareng Secondary School before completing his secondary education at Kapsabet Boys High School. Ruto pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of science degree in Botany and Zoology in 1990. He later completed a master's degree in Plant Ecology and a P.h.D from the same institution, with his doctoral thesis focusing on the effects of human activities on ecosystems. 

Political Career 

Ruto's political career began in the early 1990s when he became involved in the Youth for KANU '92 (YK'92), a group that supported the re-election of President Daniel Arap Moi. His involvement in YK'92 gave him visibility and helped him build political alliances. After the disbandment of YK'92, Ruto made his first run for elective office in 1997, winning the parliamentary seat for Eldoret North Constituency. He was re-elected to this position in 2002 and again in 2007.

Cabinet Positions 

Under President Moi, Ruto held ministerial roles, including Minister of Home Affairs in 2002. After Moi's exit from power, Ruto aligned himself with President Mwai Kibaki's government, where he was appointed Minister of Agriculture in 2008 and later served as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. 

Deputy Presidency (2013-2022)

In the 2013 general elections, William Ruto teamed up with Uhuru Kenyatta to form the Jubilee Alliance, running for the positions of Deputy President and President, respectively. The alliance won, and Ruto became Kenya's first Deputy President under the newly promulgated 2010 constitution. He held this position for two terms from 2013 to 2022, during which time he worked on various developments projects and policies, through his tenure was also marked by tensions with President Kenyatta in the second term. 

During his time as Deputy President, Ruto was accused by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of crimes against humanity following Kenya's 2007-2008 post-election violence. However, the charges were eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence and witness tampering claims. 

Presidency (2022-Present)

William Ruto contested the 2022 presidential election under the banner of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party he founded. Running on a platform of economic reforms and a "bottom-up" economic model, Ruto campaigned against Raila Odinga, who was supported by outgoing President Kenyatta. After a tightly contested election, Ruto was declared the winner with 50.5% of the vote, narrowly avoiding a run-off. Raila Odinga disputed the results, but the Supreme Court of Kenya Upheld Ruto's victory. 

As President, Ruto has focused on issues such as reducing the cost of living, increasing agricultural productivity, and addressing youth unemployment. His administration is also navigating Kenya's debt burden and seeking to enhance the country's digital economy. 

Personal Life 

William Ruto is married to Rachel Ruto, and the couple has six children. His wife is known for her involvement in charitable activities and advocacy, particularly focusing on women's empowerment. Ruto is also a committed Christian and often speaks publicly about his faith. 

Legacy and Impact 

Ruto's rise from humble beginnings to the presidency has made him a symbol of ambition and political tenacity in Kenya. His leadership style, populist messaging, and economic policies continue to shape Kenya's political landscape, positioning him as one of the most influential leaders in modern Kenyan history. However, his political maneuvering. Despite these, Ruto remains a dominant figure in Kenyan politics, commanding a significant following.