Nadia Cherono’s first encounter with President William Ruto was in September 2015 when he paid a visit to Madre Ippolata Children’s Home in Machakos County.
The then deputy president visited the facility after receiving a request to assist the Catholic nun-run facility in raising finances to continue operations.
The meeting turned emotional when Ruto was told the story of a small baby who was saved by nuns after being buried alive and abandoned.
Ruto was moved by the terrible narrative and chose to adopt and include the young girl in his family, naming her Nadia Cherono, after his mother.
“The story of Nadia who was found buried with her body partly decomposing & abandoned as a new born, and has been under the care of Sisters at Madre Ippolata Children’s Home touched my heart. I’ve named her Cherono after my mother and made her part of my family,” he said.
Mugambi Nandi: Chuka Native Behind Nairobi-based Law Firm Setting the Bar High in England and Wales
Following the adoption, Nadia had periodic public appearances with Ruto, but they did not generate much attention until she accompanied the president to the 2024 World Rally Championships in Naivasha.
At the event, the President was photographed clutching Nadia’s hand as they went around the venue in an unusual display of affection.
Days after the rally, Nadia accompanied the Head of State and First Lady Rachel Ruto on a state visit to Ghana, from where they would travel to Guinea-Bissau.
