Ruto drives self to church for Christmas service

In a rare and unexpected breakaway from protocol, President William Ruto on Wednesday drove himself to a church for morning Christmas Day service.

Ruto, who is celebrating the Christmas holiday at his Kilgoris farm in Narok, attended a church service at Olpisiai Africa Inland Church (AIC).

He was accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel.

Dressed casually in a short-sleeved floral shirt and black trousers, Ruto was seen walking while carrying a Bible to the church after parking his car.

He was received by a section of church leaders and congregants.

Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, Tourism Principal Secretary John Olotuaa and former PS Charles Sunkuli were among leaders present who welcomed the President at the church.

The absence of security was particularly notable as it deviated from the traditional practice of the President always having an aide-de-camp (ADC) and several security officers in tow.

This was, however, not the first time Ruto was driving himself to an event.

On March 29, the President drove himself from State House to KICC to flag off the WRC Safari Rally.

The previous year on September 3, 2023, Ruto also drove himself from State House to the KICC in an electric car to attend the Africa Climate Summit.

He repeated the gesture the following day.

After attending the Christmas service, Ruto was seen shaking hands with church members as he took time to chat with them.

The President's gesture to drive himself sparked debate among Kenyans with many interpreting it as a sign of ''down-to-earth leadership'' and a show of humility.

"We have a sober driver who is leading us as a country," Peter Maya said.

Later after the service, Ruto was seen at his farm admiring the Boran cattle which he rears as part of his commitment to sustainable agriculture and livestock farming.