President William Ruto has turned 59, prompting a wave of birthday messages from political leaders, supporters, and citizens across Kenya.
First Lady Rachel Ruto was among the first to convey her wishes, praising the president for his dedication and vision.
“Today, I thank God for the gift of your life, for the journey we have walked together, for your courage in moments of uncertainty, and for the steady love and discipline with which you carry the weight of leadership. I have seen your heart for Kenya, your tireless commitment to serve, and the quiet sacrifices that often go unseen,” she wrote.
Governors including Anne Waiguru and Gladys Wanga, alongside several cabinet secretaries, joined in sending congratulations.
“Warm birthday wishes to H.E. President @WilliamsRuto. May the year ahead be filled with clarity of vision, resilience in leadership, and continued service to our great nation,” Waiguru tweeted.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Ruto’s leadership as “boundless,” while Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei lauded his “transformational leadership” since assuming office in 2022.
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“As you reflect on the year that was and pray for this new year, I wish that the Almighty may grant you the wisdom and strength to fully implement your bold vision for this country so that the welfare of all Kenyan workers may be significantly enhanced,” wrote COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.
Kenyans online also joined in the celebrations.
“Warm birthday wishes to H.E. President William Ruto. May this new year of life bring renewed strength, wisdom, and clarity as you continue steering the nation through complex challenges,” wrote one user on X.
Another added: “Happy Birthday, Mr. President! Wishing you robust health and unwavering strength in leading our nation forward.”
However, not all commentary was positive.
Some Kenyans used the occasion to raise concerns about economic pressures and government policies.
“Clarity of vision and purpose. Na awache uongo. Period. Let us see the work not him telling us what he's done,” one user wrote on X.
Kahi Lundu cited a Kenya Red Cross report on the Transmara South tribal clashes, writing: “Nothing to celebrate today. The people you lead are homeless.”
Ruto, who assumed the presidency in 2022, has presided over initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, job creation, and financial empowerment under his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Born in 1966 in Uasin Gishu County, Ruto often attributes his political drive to his humble beginnings, famously describing himself as a “hustler” who once sold chickens and peanuts by the roadside.
He entered politics in the early 1990s through the Youth for KANU '92 lobby group, serving as treasurer and learning the fundamentals of Kenyan politics under the mentorship of the late President Daniel arap Moi.
By 1997, he successfully entered Parliament as the MP for Eldoret North and later served in high-profile ministerial roles, including Agriculture and Higher Education, under Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
Ruto became Kenya’s first elected Deputy President in 2013 under the Jubilee Alliance with Uhuru Kenyatta.
Following a political fallout with Kenyatta after two terms, he successfully framed the 2022 election as a contest between “hustlers” and established political dynasties, defeating veteran politician Raila Odinga in August 2022 to rise to the highest seat on the land.