Helicopters landing during Charlene Ruto’s Koito in Narok/SCREENGRAB

The skies over Kilgoris, Narok County, came alive on Saturday as helicopters ferried leaders and guests to Charlene Ruto’s Koito ceremony.

The helicopters landed near Intonna Heritage Farm in Naserian Village, where the traditional ceremony was held, creating a steady stream of VIP arrivals.

Guests embraced a brown and green colour theme, with many arriving in coordinated outfits that blended with the occasion’s traditional setting.

Among those who attended were Deputy President Kitgure Kindiki, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, ODM Leader Oburu Odinga, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who joined other national leaders, family members and guests for the event.

Charlene, the daughter of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, marked a significant cultural milestone as she took a traditional step towards marriage.

The Koito is an important cultural occasion among the Kalenjin community.

It combines the traditional engagement process with a farewell ceremony as a daughter prepares to leave her parental home and begin a new chapter of her life.

Helicopters landing during Charlene Ruto’s Koito in Narok/SCREENGRAB

The high-profile arrivals underscored the significance of the ceremony, which brought together family, friends and guests to witness one of the Kalenjin community’s longstanding traditions.

The gathering blended cultural heritage with national attention as dignitaries joined the Ruto family to celebrate Charlene’s transition into a new stage of life.

Helicopters landing during Charlene Ruto’s Koito in Narok/SCREENGRAB

Koito ceremony

There are variations in practice between the various sub-tribes, with the Kipsigis, for example, having a smaller celebration where only one’s immediate family and oreet members are invited, while the Nandi, on the other hand, have large celebrations where the whole village is invited.

For all, however, the key elements are similar; that is, the negotiation of the dowry payment, which is done by a few select members/negotiators from both families in the privacy of a room separate from the other guests. 

Mursik is drunk at the end of negotiations by those present to symbolise agreement and is seen as being crucial to the process.