Ruto apologises to daughter during U.S. visit

President William Ruto and his family pose for a photo with Steve Harvey.

President William Ruto on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, apologised to his daughter Cullie for denying her a chance to pursue Film in university.

Speaking after taking a tour of the expansive Tyler Perry studios, in the U.S., the Head of State said eight years ago Cullie informed him of her desire to pursue film but he was not for it.

"I have a new perspective about what all this is all about. That a whole city a whole investment of millions of dollars can be dedicated to film. This is different.

"I now understand about 8 years ago, my daughter Cullie asked me 'you know I want to do film'. So I looked at her and asked 'What did you say?' I must apologise to her today. She was right and I was wrong," the President said.

Impressed by the facilities and what an enabling space can do for creatives, Ruto said the Kenyan government had a similar idea in mind, hence the introduction of the Talanta Hela Initiative to monetize talent.

"The Tyler Perry Studios tour was an inspiration to put more effort and resources into the creative sector of our economy.

"I am encouraged by the huge potential for collaboration and partnership with such institutions that could help our young talented youth to monetize their creativity," said the President.

Ruto also made a case for hosting the Grammy Awards in Kenya, proposing Maasai Mara as a potential venue with the backdrop of wildebeest migration.

Intrigued by the idea, the event's organisers said they would visit Nairobi in July to discuss whether the idea can be actualised.