Charlene Ruto marries Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge

Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, married Tanzanian technology entrepreneur Isaya Yunge in a traditional Kalenjin ceremony on August 8, 2026. The wedding, known as a Koito ak Chaik, took place at the First Family’s private Intona Heritage Farm in Narok County, Kenya.

Isaya Yunge, also known as Isaiah Yunke, is the founder of SomaApp, a scholarship-matching platform for African students. His background includes youth advocacy work supported by UNICEF and participation as a Junior 8 delegate at the 2007 G8 Summit. He has also been recognized by the Forbes Africa Under 30 list.

The union has sparked significant social media debate between Kenyan and Tanzanian users. While some Tanzanian social media users criticized Yunge for seeking a bride in Kenya rather than Tanzania, many Kenyans have defended the marriage and the couple.