Charlene Ruto has been surrounded by family and close friends as she prepares to begin married life with Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.

The President’s daughter recently held a colourful bridal shower in Nairobi. The celebration offered a glimpse into the private moments leading up to her white wedding, scheduled for Friday, November 6, in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Photographs from the gathering were shared on social media on Tuesday, November 3. A white-and-purple theme set the tone for the occasion, with Charlene dressed in white while her guests wore pink.

Her sister, Stephanie, was among those who attended.

A Celebration of Friendship

Guests were welcomed by a banner bearing the words, “Welcome to Charlene Bridal Shower”.

The venue was decorated with carefully arranged seating and lights. A specially designed cake also drew attention.

Its messages included “Miss Babe to Mrs Babe” and “Hey Mrs Yunge”. They reflected the new chapter awaiting the bride-to-be.

But the celebration was not only about decorations and photographs. Charlene used the occasion to recognise the women who have supported her through different stages of life.

In a message shared alongside the pictures, she thanked her friends for celebrating with her.

“Grateful that the amazing women I have done life with over the years chose to celebrate me in my new season,” she wrote.

Faith at the Centre of Her Marriage

Charlene also spoke about the role of faith in her approaching marriage. She described Christ as the foundation on which she and Yunge intend to build their life together.

“Christ as our solid foundation and rock, the Word to guide my next step,” she wrote.

She also acknowledged the value of sisterhood, laughter and the support of the women around her. Charlene ended her message by thanking her “dadas” and girls for making the gathering special.

A Mother’s Blessing Before the Wedding

The bridal shower was followed by a separate family gathering known as the Mother’s Blessing. The event was hosted by First Lady Rachel Ruto on Wednesday, November 4. Charlene’s aunties, family friends and other women close to the family attended.

Prayers and advice were offered as the bride prepared for marriage. The gathering also provided an opportunity for Rachel to celebrate her daughter and share guidance for the next stage of her life.

Celebrations Move to Tanzania

The white wedding is scheduled to take place in Mwanza, Yunge’s home region, on Friday, November 6. The ceremony follows the couple’s traditional Kalenjin engagement, known as Koito, held on August 8 at the Ruto family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.

That ceremony brought together relatives and elders from both families. It marked an important step towards the couple’s marriage. The final celebrations have now shifted to Tanzania, where family members and invited guests have travelled for the occasion.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto have also arrived in Mwanza. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi shared footage of the President at the venue, accompanied by his son Nick Ruto.

From the traditional ceremony in Kilgoris to the white wedding in Mwanza, the celebrations have brought together two families across national borders.

For Charlene and Yunge, the focus now turns to their wedding day and the life they are preparing to build together.