This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
On August 9, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto engaged in a traditional dowry negotiation ceremony in Ziwa, Uasin Gishu County, for his younger brother David Ruto.
David Ruto, a businessman, is seeking the hand of Carol Kitur, a staffer at an international media company, in marriage. The ceremony, known as Koito in the Kalenjin culture, involves tough negotiations spearheaded by elders to determine the number of cows David will pay before marrying Carol.
The Deputy President was accompanied by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and Soy's Caleb Kositany in the day-long negotiation. Other attendees included Uasin Gishu Speaker David Lagat, Agriculture CEC Samuel Yego, and politician Jonathan Bii.
It is not clear whether Ruto attended as a negotiator or in support of his brother. The media was locked out of the private ceremony.
