How Rachel Ruto warmed her way into the hearts of Kenyans

Rachel Ruto has been in the limelight as the wife of Deputy President William Ruto. She is also an influential person in her own right, working on different projects to spur development. Here is how she has warmed her way into the heart of Kenyans.

We have seen photos of Rachel deep in prayer. Whether it was during her husband’s ICC crisis or when was attending church service, Rachel has always been seen seeking divine interventions from God.

It was therefore no surprise when she led prayers ahead of the August 8 elections at a crusade in Meru.  It was part of her Tuombeeni Kenya (lets pray for Kenya) initiative that saw her crisscross the country to pray for peace ahead of the elections.

It is unheard of for a second lady to wear high school uniform, but Rachel did it. She visited Butere Girls Secondary School in their uniform, blending well with the students she was seeking to inspire. The former teacher received praise from the public over her show of humility and efforts in mentoring and inspiring high school students, most of who are forgotten.

Acknowledging faults is one thing, asking for forgiveness is a whole different thing. Rachel came to the spotlight for asking Kenyans to forgive the Jubilee government for failing to meet some of their expectations.

“As a God’s servant and wife to Deputy President, I plead with you for forgiveness,” she said at the prayer rally in Nanyuki.

Rachel is the founder of JoyWo (Joyful Women), an umbrella NGO which is involved in a number of activities including table banking, advocacy for women and youth as well as research developments.  She has also used the platform for promoting good health in women and children.

In 2014, she received the International Honorary Fellowship Award On Women's Empowerment at the Binary University in Malaysia.

Together with husband William Ruto, Rachel was moved by the story of baby Nadia who was abandoned and buried alive.  They adopted the baby and gave her Ruto’s mother’s name, Cherono.

The story hit the press when Rachel’s friends held a surprise baby shower for baby Nadia days before she arrived at the Rutos home.

In 2016, Rachel was among the graduands at Catholic University of Eastern Africa. She graduated with a Master of Arts, receiving praise from her husband and Kenyans in general.