Charlene Ruto appointed Kenya Blood Ambassador
President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene has been appointed Kenya’s Blood Ambassador for her efforts to mobilise resources that support blood donation initiatives.
Her appointment was announced by the Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha on Thursday who lauded her contribution in blood donation.
“The MoH recognizes and appreciates your selfless contribution to Kenya through your consistent blood donation, advocacy, educating and mobilising your family members, community, peers and the general Kenyan citizens to engage in blood donations,” a statement signed by the CS read in part.
Charlene attached the appointment letter dated December 14, 2023, on her X account and appealed for Kenyans to donate blood.
“Thank you to the Ministry of Health and our CS Susan Nakhumicha for including me in this initiative run by @official_ktta and supported by @kenyan_by_blood Let’s donate blood!” she said.
https://x.com/charlruto/status/1747932727397978439?s=20
Charlene will be working closely with the local blood services team to help coordinate blood drives and raise awareness on the same.
She was also urged to encourage people to donate blood to save lives and to collaborate with the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority.
Charlene has been a fierce advocate for equality and fighting for the rights of the less privileged in society. She adopted the “30 Things” programs revolving around three thematic areas; Youth in Action, Youth and the Society and Climate Action.
In the past year, she has been meeting leaders across the country and attending international forums with foreign dignitaries since her father William became president.
In 2022, Ms Ruto was nicknamed “Quickmart Ivanka” for engaging in political affairs without an official role.
She has in the past held meetings with Governors and Deputy Governors as well as senior foreign government leaders.
In December of the same year, she stirred controversy after she introduced a member of the team she identified as Jermaine Momanyi who she said heads the Trade and Investments docket in the “Office of the First Daughter.”
She became one of the top Twitter trends in Kenya as people asked whether she was using taxpayers’ money.
She responded with a statement saying: “The Office of the First Daughter is a private entity. It is neither a constitutional office nor is it being funded by the Kenyan taxpayer.”
She goes on to explain that her “office” has an “independent structure and facilitators” and praises its “objectives of championing youth-based agendas and climate change advocacy”.
While defending his daughter, President Ruto asked the public to leave her alone because she is just a “kid”.
“Leave my daughter Charlene alone (he said while laughing). These are kids… They are just being children. You know very well that there is no such office,” he said.
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