William Ruto is the current President of Kenya, having assumed office on September 13, 2022. Before becoming president, Ruto was the Deputy President of Kenya from 2013 to 2022, serving alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto’s political journey has been marked by his rise from humble beginnings. He was born in 1966 in a rural area in the Rift Valley, and his early life involved hard work and persistence. He studied at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a degree in Botany and Zoology, before transitioning into politics.
Ruto started his political career in the 1990s and quickly became a prominent figure in Kenya’s political scene. He was initially a member of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), the party of President Daniel arap Moi. In 2005, he was one of the key figures behind the formation of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a party opposed to the government, especially regarding constitutional reforms.
He was appointed Minister of Home Affairs in 2005 but faced challenges during his tenure. He later became a key player in the 2007 elections, where he ran for the presidency as part of ODM. After the post-election violence in 2007, he faced charges related to the violence, though the International Criminal Court (ICC) later dropped the case in 2016.
Ruto eventually left ODM and formed his own political movement, known as the Jubilee Party, after joining forces with President Uhuru Kenyatta. Over the years, he built a strong support base among the people of Kenya, particularly from the Rift Valley and rural areas, emphasizing his “hustler” narrative, which resonated with many Kenyans seeking economic empowerment.
In the 2022 elections, Ruto ran for president under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, which was part of a larger coalition known as the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. He won the presidency after a contentious and close election, defeating Raila Odinga, who was his main rival.
Ruto’s presidency is focused on promises to tackle issues like youth unemployment, economic growth, and reducing inequality in Kenya. His “hustler” movement has emphasized supporting ordinary Kenyans and promoting an economic agenda that prioritizes entrepreneurship and empowerment.
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