PHOTOS: President William Ruto holds special thanksgiving service at State House

A screengrab of the service at State House, Nairobi.

Ruto had earlier joined world leaders and royals for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest reigning monarch, died at her Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and was succeeded by her eldest son, Charles.

During his campaigns and tenure as deputy president, Ruto sought to besiege the church to take a greater interest in the country's leadership and campaigned vigorously for the church's vote.

"The church, again, must step forward and have a conversation with the government," said Ruto at a town hall meeting organised by the Evangelical Association of Kenya in May 2022.

A section of the guests at State House, Nairobi. [Dennish Ochieng, Standard]

On September 5 after the Supreme Court upheld Ruto's win, his father-in-law Samuel Kimetto said he was ready to lead elders in praying for the president at State House.

"It has been a long journey for my son-in-law, and the best thing I can do for him is to lead elders in blessing him at the State House. I have been confident that he won the elections fairly," Kimetto told The Standard at his Sugoi home in Uasin Gishu County.

Rachel, a staunch Christian, same as Dorcas - DP Gachagua's wife, a retired banker and pastor - has notably already hosted pastors and bishops as well as gospel singers at the House on the Hill.