By Anderson Ojwang
The hut of fatherhood took over from the powerful feathers of the presidency as William Samoei Ruto arrived and presided over the wedding of his daughter Charlene.
Charlene Ruto and Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge exchanged vows in an elegant outdoor wedding ceremony in Mwanza, Tanzania, on Friday.
At the colourful ceremony, Ruto arrived and stayed in Tanzania not as the Kenyan President but as a father witnessing his fatherhood dream come true.
And in Tanzania, Ruto took time to induct his sons, George and Nick, on what fatherhood and parenting entail as they shared close and passionate moments ahead of the wedding ceremony.
In fresh and relaxing father-and-son moments, Ruto fastened his sons’ ties, and they reciprocated by ensuring that their dad tidied up and was ready for the occasion.
At one point, Ruto sat in the middle as Nick and George sat opposite him in a father-son kamkunji to celebrate Charlene’s milestone.
As the clock ticked, Ruto walked his daughter down the aisle while showing soft smiles and, with majesty and confidence, walked with her towards the altar.
The Kenyan President, overwhelmed and emotionally moved, strode with the joy and excitement of a father actualising his dream.
And in his social media post, President Ruto captured the feeling and the moment in Mwanza, Tanzania.
He wrote: “My dear daughter Charlene,
Few moments bring a father greater joy than seeing his daughter find love, happiness and a companion with whom to build a future.”
Ruto expressed his joy as his daughter moved to establish her family.
“I have watched you grow from the little girl I once held in my arms into the strong, compassionate and remarkable young woman you are today. As you and Yunge exchanged your wedding vows in Mwanza, Tanzania, my heart was filled with pride, gratitude and profound happiness,” he wrote.
Ruto said the occasion was a special moment for the family to cherish and adore.
“Your mother, Rachel, your siblings and I celebrate this special day with immense joy. As you begin this beautiful journey together, remember that an enduring marriage is built not only on love, but also on friendship, patience, kindness and forgiveness. May you always find strength and comfort in each other, joy in the little things and courage to face life’s challenges together.
Yunge, we welcome you warmly into our family, just as we are delighted to become part of yours. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with peace and your years together with happiness and fulfilment.
Mungu awabariki na ailinde ndoa yenu daima,” he wrote.
