DP William Ruto’s daughter Charlene message on Father’s Day arouses Nyeri

NYERI: It is every father’s dream and joy to be appreciated by his children, and especially when the tribute is passed in public.

And Deputy President William Ruto had his moment of joy when his daughter, Charlene Chelagat, took to the podium on the invitation of Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe to invite her father to address the congregation.

Kagwe decided to breach protocol as a recognition of Father’s Day, which was being celebrated yesterday. And Chelagat did not let her father down in front of hundreds of worshipers who had converged at St Peter’s Cathedral in Nyeri town.

When Chelagat took to the podium, she narrated the long journey she has travelled with her father.

She spoke about the many days her father arrived home after midnight, since he has for a long time been engaged in national matters.

“I remember when we were young, my dad would personally drive my siblings and I to school,” she said, attracting loud applause from the congregation. She continued: “The Deputy President is my father. Happy Father’s Day dad. I can give you nothing more than support and love.”

Chelagat drew more applause when she said her mother, Rachel Ruto, had decided to retreat to her rural home to spend the day with her father - which Ruto confirmed in his address.

“My mum decided to visit her father and the only words she spoke in the morning were ‘Leo ni Father’s Day. Jipangeni na baba yenu (Today is Fathers Day, sort yourself out with your dad) because I must also visit my father’,” said Chelagat.

Ruto’s daughter also called on leaders to carry the burden of their people, noting that most biblical leaders were a true reflection of the burdens of their nations. She said her father carries the burden of his nation, adding that he traverses various parts of the country, leaving home early and coming back late.

Domestic violence

She said this was a true sacrifice for his country. When Ruto took over from his daughter, he said he was humbled by her. “It is also of great significance to celebrate Father’s Day in Nyeri. Chelagat decided to travel with me so as to constantly remind me of my role as her father,” he said.

During the service, which was attended by senators and MPs, leaders centered their addresses on the recent attacks meted out on husbands by their wives. Othaya MP Mary Wambui attributed the rising cases of domestic violence to the proliferation of illegal brews.

Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi lamented that some husbands have forgotten their roles and instead handed them over to their wives.