Charlene Ruto recalls almost giving up after 16 years of praying for her future husband

Charlene Ruto has revealed that she spent 16 years praying for her future husband before eventually meeting and marrying Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge.

Speaking during their white wedding in Mwanza, Tanzania, on Friday, November 6, 2026, Charlene told Isaya that her journey began when she was in her first year of high school.

She said she had never met him at the time but was inspired by the Bible verse Matthew 17:20, which speaks about faith as small as a mustard seed being able to move mountains.

“I started praying for you 16 years ago when I was in my first year of high school. I didn’t know you. I had never met you,” she told him.

Charlene explained that what she initially thought would be a short journey turned into a long period of prayer, fasting and trusting God for the man she would eventually marry.

The president’s daughter said she initially approached the journey as though it would be an easy sprint, only to discover that she had to be patient.

“The Kalenjin in me thought that this would be an easy sprint. Little did I know I was in for a long marathon where I needed to pace myself over several years through prayer, fasting and trusting God for you,” she said.

During those years, Charlene said she discovered her life’s calling and purpose, while also building a life surrounded by a supportive family.

However, she admitted that there came a time when she considered giving up after years of waiting.

“It reached a point I was giving up. I had prayed, I had waited, my impatience was growing,” she recalled.

Charlene said she had received several private prophecies about her future husband and their marriage. She also recalled that Pastor Benny Hinn had publicly prayed for Isaya to come into her life quickly.

She credited her mother for maintaining endless prayers and faith throughout the journey, even when her own faith was weakening.

During what she described as her faithless hour, Charlene said she decided to make one final effort by writing down a list of the qualities she hoped to find in her future husband.

She prayed over the list, believing she had clearly outlined what she wanted.

Addressing Isaya during the vows, Charlene said she had placed a full stop after every sentence on her list, but God had a different plan.

“In every sentence I wrote, I put a full stop. But God put a comma. When I finished at number 15, he continued to number 16, 17 and beyond,” she said.

She told Isaya that he had exceeded everything she could have requested, dreamed of or imagined.

“You are more than I could ever have asked for, dreamed for or imagined,” Charlene told her husband.

William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]

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