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First Lady of Kenya

First Lady of Kenya
Incumbent
Rachel Ruto
since 13 September 2022
ResidenceState House
Inaugural holderNgina Kenyatta
Formation12 December 1964
WebsiteOffice of the First Lady of Kenya

The first lady of Kenya is the title held by the wife of the president of Kenya. While the office has been in existence since independence, it is not in the Constitution of Kenya. This has brought it under fire for having funding despite being unconstitutional.[1] President William Ruto pulled funding from the office after a public outcry. The country's present first lady is Rachel Ruto, wife of President William Ruto, who took office on 13 September 2022.

First ladies of Kenya

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No Name Term Began Term Ended President of Kenya
1 Ngina Kenyatta 12 December 1964 22 August 1978 Jomo Kenyatta
2 Lena Moi 22 August 1978 30 December 2002 Daniel arap Moi
3 Lucy Kibaki 30 December 2002 9 April 2013 Mwai Kibaki
4 Margaret Kenyatta 9 April 2013 13 September 2022 Uhuru Kenyatta
5 Rachel Ruto 13 September 2022 Incumbent William Ruto

Daniel arap Moi and his wife Lena Moi separated in 1974.[2] However, they remained married until her death on 22 July 2004.[2][3] Ngina reportedly retained her first lady status even after the death of her husband in 1978. Official papers and statements released by the Kenyan government identified Lena Moi as the country's "second first lady."[3]

In April 2016, Kenya lost its 3rd first lady Lucy Kibaki who died while undergoing treatment in London, United Kingdom.[4] She was the wife to the 3rd president of Kenya Mwai Kibaki.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Khalwale wants First Lady, Second Lady offices removed, calls them 'private family issues'". Citizen Digital. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b Wachira, Patrick (24 July 2004). "Kenya: Grief As Moi's Wife Dies". The Standard (Kenya). AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  3. ^ a b "President Kibaki attends Lena's burial". State House (Kenya). 31 July 2004. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  4. ^ a b Ngige, Francis. "Lucy's final moments were painful but she was cheerful". The Standard. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
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