Like a proud parent, President William Ruto’s mother simply enjoys her son’s success, having seen him serve as a Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, Deputy President, and now President.
However, when her son, Ruto, first entered the business and political world, she chose to continue living a humble life.
In the past, Sarah Cheruiyot, William Ruto’s mother, went against popular expectations by refusing her son’s offer to build a big house for the family.
When Ruto suggested building her a mansion, he had already established a business in Nairobi. Yet his mother chose to continue living a simple life.
In an interview with The Standard, Mama Sarah Cheruiyot explained that she and her husband felt it was more important at the time to prioritize the education of Ruto’s siblings, and they were therefore content with the house they already had.
According to Ruto’s mother, education is the best gift a parent can give to their children, and at the time her son made the offer, her kid’s education was more important than a big house.
“We didn’t need a big house because we were satisfied with what we already have. Instead of building us a huge house, I asked my son to direct the money to his sibling’s education. I told him that all we needed was a simple modern house, which he proceeded to build.” Mama Sarah told The Standard
Despite Ruto’s insistence, Mama Sarah only settled for a modest home. This instance revealed Mama Sarah’s unlikely yet strong character.
While some Kenyans were flabbergasted by the stance, most understood, applauding her act of humility and contentment rather than greed for opulence.
Citing his mother’s assertiveness, President Ruto has been reported acknowledging Mama Sarah Cheruiyot’s humility and faith-based discipline, saying that it guided his humble upbringing from an ordinary village herder to Kenya’s fifth president.
During the past interview with The Standard, Mama Sarah clarified her decision with unbowed conviction.
According to Sarah, although her son can afford to give her a more affluent lifestyle, she decides to let humility guide her, a possible reason why she continues to maintain a low profile.
Mama Sarah’s strong character is a key lesson for anyone who has experienced both worlds: struggle and affluence. She is an example of how important ‘virtues’ like ‘humility’ define identity in the face of status change.
