President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto on Friday, November 6, walked their daughter Charlene down the aisle during her wedding to Tanzanian businessman Isaya Yunge in Mwanza, Tanzania.
The colourful ceremony was held at Malaika Beach Resort, overlooking Lake Victoria, bringing together members of the two families, friends and several prominent Kenyan leaders.
Charlene made her entrance in a white wedding gown decorated with elaborate three-dimensional floral details. She completed her bridal look with a long cathedral-style veil as guests watched and captured the special moment.
The President and the First Lady accompanied their daughter towards the altar, sharing an emotional moment with her before she joined her husband.
Ruto and Rachel also attracted attention with their coordinated maroon outfits. The President wore a maroon coat, white shirt and black bow tie, while the First Lady opted for a matching maroon dress with floral details and a wide-brimmed hat.
Several senior Kenyan leaders travelled to Tanzania to witness the wedding, among them National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo were also among the guests who attended the celebration.
Wetang’ula shared his message of congratulations to the couple, describing marriage as an important institution that brings families and communities together.
“Marriage is a true covenant that not only unites two people but also brings together families, traditions and communities,” the Speaker said.
He further wished Charlene and Isaya a happy marriage, praying that their union would be filled with love, affection and patience.
The wedding marked the culmination of celebrations that began in August when the couple held their traditional Kalenjin engagement ceremony, known as Koito, at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The traditional ceremony brought together relatives, friends and political leaders from Kenya and Tanzania as the two families formally celebrated the couple’s relationship.
In the days leading up to the white wedding, Charlene also held a bridal shower attended by close friends and family members.
First Lady Rachel later hosted a Mother’s Blessing ceremony where female relatives and family friends gathered to pray for Charlene and offer her guidance ahead of marriage.
The wedding in Mwanza brought the celebrations to a close, with the Kenyan President and his family joining their Tanzanian relatives and guests to mark the beginning of Charlene and Isaya’s married life.