On November 6, 2026, First Lady of Rwanda Jeannette Kagame attended the wedding of Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto. The ceremony took place at Malaika Beach Resort, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Mwanza, Tanzania. The event was also attended by other high-ranking officials from Kenya, including Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
The wedding brought together guests from Kenya and Tanzania, following a traditional Kenyan ceremony known as Koito, which took place at the Ruto's home in June 2026. Charlene Ruto, the third of seven children born to President Ruto and his wife Rachel, exchanged vows with Isaya Yunge, a 36-year-old Tanzanian entrepreneur. Yunge is known for his work in educational technology, particularly with his platform SomaApp, which has helped over 7,000 young people in Africa access educational opportunities.
Isaya Yunge's achievements have earned him international recognition, including being the first African youth to speak at the G8 Summit in 2007. In 2018, he was awarded the Queen's Young Leader Award, one of only two Tanzanians to receive the honor that year. Prior to his current role, Yunge served as CEO of SPEKI Technologies, a company focused on business development, innovation, and digital transformation.
Yunge's educational background includes studies in Economic Diplomacy and Digital Money, as well as leadership and innovation in entrepreneurship at Cambridge University. His work with SomaApp has made him a prominent figure in using technology to address educational challenges. The platform has provided opportunities for young people in Africa to access education, making him a notable example of innovative leadership.
The wedding ceremony was a significant event, bringing together prominent figures from Kenya and Tanzania. Jeannette Kagame's attendance highlighted the close ties between the two nations and their leaders. The event celebrated the union of Charlene Ruto and Isaya Yunge, marking a new chapter in their lives.
Charlene Ruto, as the daughter of President William Ruto, has grown up in the public eye. Her wedding to Isaya Yunge has drawn attention from across the region, given the prominence of their families. The couple's commitment to each other was celebrated by friends, family, and dignitaries from both Kenya and Tanzania.
The union of Charlene Ruto and Isaya Yunge represents a blending of Kenyan and Tanzanian cultures, reflecting the close ties between the two nations. As they begin their life together, they are likely to be involved in various initiatives, potentially including educational and technological projects given Yunge's background and interests.
Key points
- Jeannette Kagame attended the wedding of Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, to Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.
