They say the purest form of love is that of a mother—always holding your hand, believing in you, and putting your needs first. For President William Samoei Ruto, that role has been fulfilled by his mother, Mama Sarah Cheruiyot, who has remained largely away from the public spotlight.
The last time many Kenyans saw her in the limelight was during the 2022 General Election, when the late IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared Ruto President-elect. Though she keeps a low profile, her influence in her son’s life has always been significant. On Mother’s Day, President Ruto even paid her a glowing tribute, writing:
“Dear mom, you are a special gift to me. You will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for nurturing me, for praying for me, and for being my strength.”
Interestingly, despite her son’s rise to power and wealth, Sarah Cheruiyot once turned down Ruto’s proposal to build her a lavish mansion. In a past interview with The Standard, she revealed that when Ruto started establishing businesses in Nairobi, he volunteered to upgrade the family’s lifestyle by constructing a modern home for his parents in Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County.
However, she and her late husband, Mzee Daniel Cheruiyot, had other priorities. They insisted that the money be used instead to support the education of Ruto’s siblings.
“We did not see the need for a big house then as we were satisfied with what we had. Our concern was education,” Sarah explained.
Before moving to his Sugoi home and farm, Ruto lived for years in the same compound as his parents. More than a decade ago, he lost his father, Mzee Daniel Cheruiyot, but his mother’s guiding hand has continued to shape his journey.
