A video of First Daughter Charlene Ruto presenting on behalf of her father at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County has gone viral, sparking a wave of reactions from Kenyans.
The clip, shared widely on social media, shows Charlene addressing President William Ruto at the Smachs Foundation stand — her youth-led organisation dedicated to tackling climate change and food insecurity.
Wearing an African-inspired headpiece, a white t-shirt, and black jeans, she stood beside jars of honey and a beehive display as part of her exhibition.
Governor Gladys Wanga looked on, while the president smiled warmly throughout the interaction.
In the footage, Ruto greets his daughter with a warm handshake.
“Hi. How are you?” he asks.
“I’m okay,” Charlene replies before launching into her presentation.
“You know you brought me up on the farm. Every Easter and Christmas, we used to go to the village, and this is the work that has come from it,” she explained.
She went on to describe how Smachs Foundation partners with traditional beekeepers to modernise hives, showing him examples of both traditional and upgraded models.
“We are also working with young people in agriculture, and we’ve planted 754,000 trees to contribute to the 50 billion tree campaign. Thank you for your mentorship,” she added.
The president chuckled before moving on to the next exhibition stand.
Social Media Reacts
The moment quickly drew a flurry of comments online. Many praised Charlene’s dedication and creativity, while others focused on the father-daughter connection.
- Sir Njenga: “I give credit where it’s due, hongera dada.”
- 5159: “It’s called creativity, but some of us only know the formula for jealousy.”
- James Emillion: “The family is so hardworking.”
- Breeh: “Congratulations, Charlene.”
- Matush_5: “Proud dad over there. Anyway, these are things she should tell him at home.”
- Omosh: “George should bring a matatu to Homa Bay.”
- Elizabethhadassah1: “I’m so proud of her.”
- Tee Adhis: “She should have told him when they were eating ugali at home.”
- Tj: “She made her dad proud.”
- Mathewz87: “He’s wondering whether the mother sent her.”
- The Hunter: “When I grow up, I want to raise my children like our president.”
The President’s Remarks
President Ruto officially opened the conference, noting the significant progress of devolution since the 2010 Constitution was enacted.
He announced that all county payments had been cleared and disbursements made on time. The president also emphasised ongoing efforts to digitise county operations, improve efficiency, and curb wastage of public resources.
Smachs Foundation’s Mission
Charlene’s Smachs Foundation focuses on innovative, youth-driven solutions to climate change and food security.
Its work includes modernising beekeeping practices and engaging young people in agricultural initiatives.
Her team’s reforestation drive has so far planted over 750,000 trees in support of the government’s 50 billion tree target.
by geoffrey mbuthia
