Little-Known School Ruto Attended Before Joining Kapsabet Boys
President-elect William Ruto is perhaps the best example of the famous adage that a farmer’s son can become the president of a great nation through education.
Of course, he portrays himself as the son of a peasant, a charcoal and chicken vendor who rose to become Kenya’s incoming fifth president.
William Samoei Ruto has had an eventful academic career, culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in plant ecology.
A little-known Wareng High School in Uasin Gishu County is at the heart of this success. Between 1981 and 1984, the president-elect studied at Wareng High School for his “O” Levels.
During the National Prayer Breakfast in May 2019 at the Safari Park Hotel, he recalled wearing his first pair of shoes after taking national exams in 1981.
“My father bought me my first pair of shoes in 1981 from a Mr. Onyango on the street. The shoes cost Ksh 60. He could not afford the bata shoes, ” Ruto recalled.
Wareng High School is a mixed-day secondary school in the Kapsaret Constituency.
The Ministry of Education classifies the school as a sub-county school with a student population of 1,000.
Ruto was an active member of the Christian Union and a volleyball player at Wareng. Furthermore, his star in leadership began to shine in his role as a hostel captain.
Ruto then transferred to Kapsabet High School in neighboring Nandi County, where he completed his advanced education (A’ levels).
He later enrolled at the University of Nairobi, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology.
He graduated in 1990 before returning to the university for his postgraduate studies.
Ruto returned to university in 2012 to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Nairobi. He received his Ph.D. in 2018 after meeting all of the requirements.
Wareng High School has since sent a congratulatory message to Ruto, calling his election to the county’s highest office inspiration to the school’s members and fraternity.
The management of Wareng High School expressed their delight in Ruto’s achievement in a statement published in a local daily.
“Please accept our heartfelt congratulations on your victory and our best wishes as you prepare to assume your new responsibilities.
"You are an inspiration to both our alumni and current students.” partially read the statement.
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Political Arena
Former President Daniel Moi conscripted Ruto into the KANU campaign team leader of the first multiparty elections after Section 2 A was repealed to restore Kenya to pluralism in 1992.
He was the Treasurer of YK92, KANU’s youth wing that participated in campaigns.
This event has been described as a watershed moment in his political career.
After the Supreme Court confirmed him as the duly elected president in the August 9 general election, Ruto, 55, is expected to be sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president on Tuesday, September 13.
Little-Known School Ruto Attended Before Joining Kapsabet Boys