First Lady Rachel Ruto has paid glowing tribute to fathers across Kenya, praising their sacrifices, commitment and role in shaping families and society as the country joined the rest of the world in marking Father's Day.
In a heartfelt message released on Sunday, the First Lady celebrated fathers as pillars of strength whose daily sacrifices often go unnoticed but whose impact is felt across generations through the values they instill in their children.
“Today, we honour the men who rise each day with purpose and responsibility, those who carry the hopes of their families, make sacrifices often unseen, and leave footprints of love through the values they pass on to the next generation,” she said.
Rachel thanked fathers for their unwavering support and dedication to their families, noting that their contributions extend beyond financial provision to emotional guidance, mentorship and spiritual leadership.
“To all fathers across our beloved nation, thank you for every lesson, every prayer whispered in silence, every hand held through difficult moments, and every sacrifice made out of love,” she said.
The First Lady used the occasion to pay special tribute to her husband, President William Ruto, describing him as a devoted father whose commitment to family continues to inspire those around him.
“And to my dear husband, His Excellency President William Ruto, the father of our children and a father whose devotion to family remains a source of strength and inspiration to us all,” she stated.
She further linked the President’s role as a father to his responsibilities as the country's leader, saying the values that define fatherhood are reflected in his service to the nation.
“As the father of our nation, your commitment to serving the people of Kenya, carrying their hopes, and working towards a better future reflects the same values of care, responsibility, and sacrifice that define fatherhood,” she said.
“Thank you for your love, wisdom, and steadfast presence.”
“May all fathers be blessed with good health, grace, and the joy of seeing the seeds they have planted flourish,” she said.
Father’s Day is observed annually to honour fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence fathers have on families and society. The celebration is marked in nearly 90 countries around the world, including Kenya, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and India, on the third Sunday of June.
The origins of Father's Day date back more than a century. The first known Father's Day service was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia, to commemorate 362 men who lost their lives in a mining explosion.
The modern Father's Day celebration was later championed by
Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Inspired by her father, a Civil War
veteran who single-handedly raised six children after the death of his wife,
Dodd campaigned tirelessly for official recognition of fathers.
