First Lady of Kenya

Last updated

First Lady of Kenya
Flag of Kenya.svg
Rachel Ruto (cropped).jpg
Incumbent
Rachel Ruto
since 13 September 2022
Residence State House
Inaugural holder Ngina Kenyatta
Formation12 December 1964
Website Office of the First Lady of Kenya

The First Lady of Kenya is the title and role held by the wife of the president of Kenya. [1] Kenya has had five first ladies since the independence in 1964. [1] The modern role of the First Lady of Kenya not only supports the president, but wields influence publicly and behind-the-scenes. [1]

Contents

The country's present first lady is Rachel Ruto, wife of President William Ruto, who took office on 13 September 2022.

History and role

Traditionally, the First Lady of Kenya performed social and diplomatic functions, such as holding State House social events and hosting official guests. [1] In recent decades, an official Office of the First Lady was established, with a state budget and staff, leading to a much more influential role in Kenyan politics. [1]

While the role of First Lady has been in existence since Ngina Kenyatta became the country's inaugural first lady at independence in 1964, it is not in the Constitution of Kenya. This has brought it under fire from opponents for having funding despite being unconstitutional. [2] President William Ruto pulled funding from the office after a public outcry.

First ladies of Kenya

NoNameTerm BeganTerm EndedPresident of KenyaNotes
1 Ngina Kenyatta 12 December 196422 August 1978 Jomo Kenyatta
2 Lena Moi 22 August 197830 December 2002 Daniel arap Moi Lena Moi and her husband, Daniel arap Moi, separated in 1974, [3] but she is recognized as Kenya's second First Lady during his presidency.. [1] Lena Moi died on 22 July 2004. [3] [4]
3 Mama lucy kibaki.webp Lucy Kibaki 30 December 20029 April 2013 Mwai Kibaki In April 2016, former First Lady Lucy Kibaki died while undergoing treatment in London, United Kingdom. [5]
4 Margaret Kenyatta seated.jpg Margaret Kenyatta 9 April 201313 September 2022 Uhuru Kenyatta
5 Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya 2022 (cropped).jpg Rachel Ruto 13 September 2022Incumbent William Ruto

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Macharia, Jackline (2 June 2023). "The Presidents' wives and their behind-the-scenes influence". Daily Nation . Archived from the original on 2 June 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
  2. ↑ "Khalwale wants First Lady, Second Lady offices removed, calls them 'private family issues'". Citizen Digital. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  3. 1 2 Wachira, Patrick (24 July 2004). "Kenya: Grief As Moi's Wife Dies". The Standard (Kenya) . AllAfrica.com . Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  4. ↑ "President Kibaki attends Lena's burial". State House (Kenya) . 31 July 2004. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  5. ↑ Ngige, Francis. "Lucy's final moments were painful but she was cheerful". The Standard. Retrieved 18 February 2020.


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