President William Ruto has urged young Kenyans to value marriage and family, emphasizing that commitment and responsibility are the foundation of a stable society.

Speaking in Kitale on Saturday, November 1, during the traditional wedding ceremony of Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang and Chanelle Kittony, the Head of State challenged the youth to reject the growing trend of avoiding long-term commitments in favor of short-lived pleasures.

“I want to encourage all young people that it’s good to get married and build a family,” President Ruto said.

“Many run away from responsibility and pretend it is fashionable — it’s not. Many young men want to enjoy life but avoid responsibility. That isn’t correct.”

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Ruto noted that the strength of any nation begins at the family level, calling on young people to nurture lasting relationships built on love, mutual respect, and accountability.

“Let everybody be responsible. If you are man enough, you must also be responsible. The woman you love — marry her. Otherwise, stop wasting people’s time,” he stated. “There’s nothing fashionable about being irresponsible.”

The President, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, praised the couple for setting an example for their peers.

“This is my first time meeting Chanelle, and I confirm she is indeed beautiful. Allan is a handsome young man — God has put these two together, and congratulations on your wedding,” Ruto said.

The glamorous ceremony blended modern elegance with rich traditional culture, attended by prominent leaders and public figures. Among the guests were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya, former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, and Immigration PS Belio Kipsang.

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Chanelle Kittony serves as the County Executive Committee Member for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure in Trans Nzoia County. She is the daughter of Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) Chairperson Kiprono Kittony.

The couple previously held a lavish wedding in July 2025, also attended by several dignitaries.

President Ruto’s remarks come amid growing public debate over shifting relationship values among Kenya’s youth, with the Head of State positioning marriage as not only a personal milestone but also a moral and social duty.