Behind every powerful leader, there is often a family that stays out of the spotlight. For President William Ruto, one such family member is his younger brother, David Samoei Ruto. While the President dominates the political scene, David has quietly built a name for himself in the business world, far away from the glare of cameras and the hustle of Kenyan politics.
A Humble Beginning in Uasin Gishu
David Samoei Ruto was raised in Uasin Gishu County, alongside his siblings, in what he describes as a very modest home. Life was not easy. In a past interview, David recalled how the family could not afford what many would consider basic necessities. "We were poor. We walked to school which was four kilometres away every day barefoot," he told residents of Kikumbo area in Machakos County. Shoes were a luxury, and the long walk to school was just part of daily life. These humble beginnings, however, did not define his future.
Education and Career in the United States
David's thirst for knowledge took him far from home. He travelled to the United States for higher education, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Management Information Systems from Indiana State University. He did not stop there. He went on to add a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
His career in the US kicked off in 2000 when he worked as an assistant production planner at Digital Audio Disc Corporation in Indiana. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder, taking on roles such as shipping manager, systems and ERP administrator, and MIS trainer. He later worked as a consultant at Columbus IT and eventually joined Hitachi Solutions America, where he held several managerial positions until 2018. With over 20 years of experience spanning IT, manufacturing, retail, and consulting, David had built a solid career abroad.
Coming Back Home
After nearly two decades in the United States, David made a life-changing decision—he returned to Kenya. But this was not entirely his own choice. President Ruto has publicly shared that he personally encouraged, and even insisted, that his brother come back home. During David's white wedding in 2023, the President revealed that he had told his brother, "You must come back. I am speaking to you as your elder brother, and because our father is not there and I occupy that position, I have now instructed you to come home". The President acknowledged that David had built a successful career in America but was glad that his brother respected his wishes and returned to Kenya to restart his life close to family.
Business Ventures in Kenya
Back in Kenya, David did not waste time. He was appointed Managing Director of Kreative Concrete Products. He also founded Kirongosi Group, a company that consults and partners with governments on project conceptualisation and execution. His expertise in IT strategy, enterprise resource planning, business analysis, and solution architecture has made him a valuable player in the business world.
Despite being the President's brother, David does not hold any government position. He remains a private businessman, preferring to operate away from the political arena.
Love and Family
In 2019, David held a traditional engagement ceremony known as Koito with his long-time sweetheart, Carol Kitur. The event was held at his home in Uasin Gishu, and President Ruto led the dowry negotiations, alongside Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi. The couple later held their white wedding on December 15, 2023, at the Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari Club in Nyeri. The ceremony was a star-studded affair, attended by President Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, cabinet secretaries, governors, MPs, and other senior government officials.
David and Carol have a daughter together, and they continue to build their family away from the public eye.
A Life of Purpose
David Samoei Ruto may not be a household name like his brother, but his story is one of hard work, humility, and determination. From walking barefoot to school in Uasin Gishu to earning advanced degrees and building a successful career in the US and Kenya, his journey is truly inspiring. He chose business over politics, family over fame, and in doing so, he has carved out a life of purpose and meaning.
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