President William Ruto expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Likuyani, Kakamega County, thanking them for playing a pivotal role in his life by helping him find his wife, First Lady Rachel Ruto.

Speaking during a Sunday service at St Mark’s Catholic Church in Matunda, Kakamega County, the president shared a lighthearted personal reflection, explaining that he felt compelled to return and check on his in-laws after a long period away.

“Niliamua kuwatembelea katika sehemu hii ya Likuyani kwa sababu jana nilikuwa nafikiria nikasema imekuwa muda sijafika kwa mashemeji,” Ruto said, drawing warm cheers from the congregation.

Translated: “I decided to visit you here in Likuyani because yesterday I was thinking and said it had been a long time since I visited my in-laws.”

A Special Connection to Kakamega County

President Ruto narrated First Lady Rachel Ruto’s roots in the region, noting that she was born in Likuyani and began her education journey at Likuyani Primary School before proceeding to Butere Girls High School.

He fondly recalled traveling to the constituency years ago to seek her hand in marriage, praising the community for bestowing a blessing upon his family life.

“Unajua hapa Likuyani ndio nilipata bahati ya mke. Wakati nilikuja, kuuliza huyo msichana awe mke wangu nilikuja hapa Likuyani, na mimi nasema kwa watu wa Likuyani mmenibariki na mke, nikawa na familia na nikawa na watoto, na mimi nasema asante na sitawasahau,” he said.

Translated: “You know, it is here in Likuyani that I was fortunate enough to find a wife. When I came to ask for that girl’s hand in marriage, I came here to Likuyani. I tell the people of Likuyani that you blessed me with a wife, and I went on to have a family.”

President Ruto promised to maintain a lasting connection with the local community that welcomed him decades ago.

“I want to say thank you, and I will never forget you,” he said.