From Kapsabet Schoolboy to Kenya’s President: The Story of William Ruto
Early Life and Schooling
William Ruto was born on December 21, 1966, in Sambut village, near Kamagut in Uasin Gishu County to Daniel and Sarah Cheruiyot. His upbringing was modest — he would often go to school barefoot, and in his youth he sold chicken and peanuts by the roadside to help support his family. This early life of struggle became the core of his later political branding as a voice for the common citizen.
Ruto began his formal education at Kamagut Primary School before moving to Kerotet Primary School, both in Uasin Gishu. After finishing primary studies, he joined Wareng Secondary School for his Ordinary Level (O‑Level) education. It was at Wareng that he started to show leadership potential, engaging actively in church and school life.
In 1985, Ruto advanced to Kapsabet Boys High School, one of Kenya’s most respected national schools, for his Advanced Level studies. At Kapsabet, he was known as a disciplined, focused student who balanced academics with extracurriculars such as volleyball and Christian Union activities. Teachers and classmates recalled him as serious about his studies and responsible in his conduct.
Kapsabet Boys is notable for producing several national leaders — including former President Daniel arap Moi, who also studied there. Ruto’s time at the school marked his transition from a village youth to someone ready to tackle bigger ambitions.
University and Academic Climb
After finishing high school, Ruto entered the University of Nairobi in 1986 — a major milestone, given his background. He studied Botany and Zoology, graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree. At university, Ruto found a platform in religious activity, serving as Chairman of the University’s Christian Union choir, which connected him with influential figures, including then‑President Daniel arap Moi.
After graduation, Ruto briefly taught in rural areas before fully launching into politics. Yet education remained central to him; he returned to the University of Nairobi years later, earning a Master of Science in Plant Ecology in 2011 and eventually a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in 2018, making him one of the few Kenyan presidents with a doctoral degree.
Political Career: Early Inroads and Rise
Ruto’s first real break in politics came in 1992, when he joined Youth for KANU ’92 (YK’92), a youth wing of the then‑ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) party. The group was mobilized to support President Moi’s re‑election in Kenya’s first multiparty polls. This role marked Ruto’s entry into national politics and helped him build important networks within the ruling elite.
In 1997, Ruto was elected Member of Parliament for Eldoret North, defeating the incumbent and proving his electoral appeal. Over the next decade, he held a series of government roles — including Assistant Minister of Home Affairs in 2002, and later Cabinet roles such as Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Higher Education — sharpening both his political skills and national profile.
Under successive administrations, Ruto grew his influence. He was Deputy President from 2013 to 2022, serving under President Uhuru Kenyatta, where he played a central role in implementing government programs and building his own political base.
Presidency
Ruto’s most significant political victory came in 2022, when he won the Kenyan presidency after a closely contested election. Running on a platform he branded as the “Hustler Nation” — aiming to empower ordinary traders, workers, and small business owners — he narrowly defeated his main rival. His campaign resonated with millions who saw his life story — from selling chicken on the roadside to leading the country — as proof that humble beginnings need not define one’s destiny.
Today, as Kenya’s fifth president, Ruto continues to be a figure of both admiration and controversy — hailed by supporters for his rise from modest roots and critiqued by others for policy directions and leadership style.
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