William Ruto Net Worth. William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto CGH is a Kenyan politician and businessman with an estimated net worth of $480 million. Born on December 21, 1966, in Sambut village, Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County, he is the fifth and current president of Kenya, having assumed office on September 13, 2022.
Early Life and Education:
- Birthdate: December 21, 1966
- Birthplace: Sambut village, Kamagut, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
- Parents: Daniel Cheruiyot and Sarah Cheruiyot
Education:
- Primary: Kamagut Primary School, Kerotet Primary School
- Secondary: Wareng Secondary School, Kapsabet High School
- University: University of Nairobi
- Degree: BSc in Botany and Zoology (1990)
- MSc: Plant Ecology (University of Nairobi)
- PhD: University of Nairobi (2018)
Political Career:
Member of Parliament:
- Eldoret North Constituency: 1997 to 2007 (KANU), 2007 to 2013 (ODM)
Ministerial Positions:
- Minister for Home Affairs: August to December 2002 (Moi administration)
- Minister for Agriculture: 2008 to 2010 (Kibaki administration)
- Minister for Higher Education: April to October 2010 (Kibaki administration)
Deputy President:
- First Elected Deputy President: 2013 to 2022 (Under President Uhuru Kenyatta)
Presidential Campaigns:
- 2007 Presidential Election: Contested but lost in ODM primaries
- 2013 Presidential Election: Ran for deputy presidency, supporting Uhuru Kenyatta
- 2017 Presidential Election: Re-elected as Deputy President
- 2022 Presidential Election: Elected as President under United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
Presidency:
- Inauguration: September 13, 2022
- First Foreign Trip: Attended Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in the UK (September 18-19, 2022)
- UN General Assembly Address: September 21, 2022
Key Initiatives:
- Climate Change: Pledged to end fossil fuel use in Kenya’s electricity production by 2030
- Economic Policies: Launched the Hustler Fund to grant loans to Kenyan citizens
- Privatization: Proposed large-scale privatization of public enterprises
Controversies:
Land Grabbing:
- Weston Hotel: Accusations of acquiring land illegally from Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
- KPC Ngong Forest Land Scandal: Initially charged with defrauding Kenya Pipeline Company in 2004
- Muteshi Land: Ordered to pay for illegally taking land during post-election violence (2007-08)
- Joseph Murumbi’s 900 Acres: Accused of irregular acquisition of land formerly owned by a former vice president
International Criminal Court:
- Summons: Accused of planning crimes against humanity after 2007-08 election violence
- Charges Dropped: ICC dropped charges in April 2016
Personal Life:
- Spouse: Rachel Chebet (married in 1991)
- Children: Six
- Religion: Evangelical Christian, member of Africa Inland Church
- Business Interests: Owns a large chicken farm in Sugoi
Wealth:
- Net Worth: $480 million
- Source of Wealth: Business ventures and political career
William Ruto’s journey from a humble background to the presidency of Kenya highlights his significant political influence and business acumen. Despite facing numerous controversies and legal challenges, he has maintained a prominent position in Kenyan politics and continues to shape the country’s future.
