Charlene Ruto Explains How Office of First Daughter is Funded

Charlene Ruto at a Past Event
A file photo of Charlene Ruto at a past event
File

Charlene Ruto on Wednesday, December 14, responded to questions raised on the source of funds for the Office of the First Daughter.

In a statement, Charlene explained that the entity was privately managed. 

"The Office of the First Daughter is a private entity. It is neither a constitutional office nor is it being funded by

Kenyan taxpayers.

"It runs to purely facilitate the activities and any programs being run by myself," she underlined.

President's daughter, Charlene Ruto (centre) and her entourage visited the Mohammed VI Football Complex - Maamoura on November 9, 2022.
President's daughter, Charlene Ruto (centre) and her entourage visited the Mohammed VI Football Complex - Maamoura on November 9, 2022.
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Charlene Ruto

Charlene explained that the office was not linked to that of President William Ruto and undertook objectives set by herself specifically targeting the youth.

"The office has engaged various players across the country and beyond in line with some of its objectives of championing youth-based agendas and climate change advocacy," the statement read in part.

She further rubbished claims she had ulterior motives, including setting a foundation for a political career, stating that all the work she was doing was in good faith.

The first daughter called out those who were going after her, stating that she too has a voice and will use it to create opportunities for the youth.

Charlene was thrown into the limelight after a video of her introducing the members of her office went viral.

Among the officers mentioned were Mike Sagana, the principal advisor of the team and Jermaine Momanyi, the head of trade and investments.

Kenyans took to social media demanding answers on who exactly was sponsoring the President's second-born daughter who also recently launched a foundation.

The explanation comes after the first daughter was forced to delve deeper into her foreign trips. She explained that she regularly updated the President before taking any trip. 

More questions were raised about whether she shared the office with her elder sister, June, and if her brothers Nick and George Ruto also had their private offices.

On December 7, Charlene's confession that she sold smokies while she was a university student turned heads on social media with Kenyans casting doubts on her revelation.

President's daughter, Charlene Ruto (centre) and her entourage visited the Mohammed VI Football Complex - Maamoura on November 9, 2022.
President's daughter, Charlene Ruto (centre) and her entourage visited the Mohammed VI Football Complex - Maamoura in Morocco on November 9, 2022.
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Charlene Ruto