By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Kenyan President, William Ruto has called on young men to embrace responsibility by marrying the women they love instead of engaging in unserious relationships.
Ruto made the remarks while attending the traditional wedding (koito) of Senator Allan Chesang and Chanelle Kittony, where he was the chief guest. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
The president congratulated the couple for formalising their union, describing marriage as a cornerstone of family and national stability. He said, “My children, Chanelle and Allan, I am very happy to be part of this great celebration as we celebrate this couple. I must say that it is my first time seeing Chanelle, and I confirm that she is indeed beautiful. I also know Allan — he is a handsome young man. God has put these two together, and congratulations on your wedding”.
Ruto disclosed that despite his tight schedule, he made time to attend the ceremony after being informed by the groom and his father-in-law, businessman Kiprono Kittony. He said, “Although I had a busy schedule, I said I must come here because these two youngsters deserve my presence. The joy of any parent is to see their daughter or son get married. In a world that is increasingly becoming difficult, it is refreshing to celebrate a young man and woman coming together. Nations are built out of families, and a strong nation cannot exist without strong, stable families”.
The president, who referred to Chesang as his “political son,” revealed that he had once helped reconcile the couple. He urged other young people to follow their example and embrace family life. “I want to encourage other young people. Allan here is among the many young people I mentor. I asked him very difficult questions, and I told him to plan himself. Thank you for bringing Chanelle to us. As Papa Wa Roma said, we are expecting grandchildren. Nowadays, it sounds fashionable not to have children. Gogo amesema mfanye hio kazi — we want to see the children,” he said with a laugh.
Ruto went on to challenge young men to stop avoiding responsibility, saying too many enjoy the benefits of relationships without commitment. “I want to encourage all young people that it is good to get married. Many people run away from responsibility and pretend it is fashion, but it is not. Many young men want to enjoy things without taking responsibility — that is incorrect,” he said.
He added, “Let everybody be responsible. If you are man enough, you must be man enough to be responsible. The woman you love, marry her; otherwise, stop wasting people’s time. And I’m not being a women’s advocate. I’m being a parent because I am a father of girls as well. The same thing I tell my sons is the same thing I tell my daughters”.
Ruto’s remarks drew applause from guests, who lauded his call for commitment and family values among young people.
