11/05/2026
The Story of Nadia Cherono Ruto and Her Father, President William Ruto
In the quiet villages of Machakos County, a tiny life was once almost lost before it had even begun. Born and buried just a day after she came into this world, little Nadia Cherono was found by Catholic sisters of Madre Ippolita Children’s Home; fragile, abandoned, her body already decomposing yet clinging to life. With compassion and care, the sisters nursed her back, giving her a chance to breathe, to live, to dream.
In 2015, fate took an extraordinary turn. Then–Deputy President now President of Kenya, H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto attended a fundraiser at the children’s home. Among the many stories he heard, one pierced straight to his heart; the story of Nadia.
Listening to how this innocent baby had been left to die before her life had even begun, he was moved to tears. In that very moment, he made a promise that would change both their lives forever; he would become her father.
From that day forward, Nadia’s story was rewritten. No longer abandoned, she became part of a loving family. No longer nameless, she became Nadia Cherono Ruto, named after President Ruto’s mother, a sign of the deep bond and honor he bestowed upon her.
Today, Nadia is no longer that fragile baby rescued from despair. She is a vibrant, growing young girl, walking confidently beside her father, the President of the Republic of Kenya. Often seen going to church like this past Sunday hand-in-hand with him, Nadia is a living testimony of love, faith and second chances.
Her story is more than just a personal journey. It is a reminder to the nation and to the world, that every life is precious. That love can rise from places of brokenness. That hope can spring forth from tragedy.
In Nadia, we see the heart of a father who chose compassion.
In Nadia, we see the resilience of a child who was destined to live.
And in Nadia, we see a powerful symbol, that no matter how small or forgotten, every child deserves a home