President Ruto mounts childhood photo at State House
President William Ruto has given State House in Nairobi a personal touch by mounting an old photograph of himself inside the historic building.
The image, shared by his presidential team, quickly attracted attention online and was widely viewed as a symbolic reminder of the president’s humble origins before he rose to the highest office in the country. The gesture forms part of broader changes the administration has made to the official residence.
Since assuming power, Ruto’s government has overseen a multi-billion-shilling renovation of State House and several State Lodges across the country. The president explained that the building had leaking roofs and non-functioning toilets when he took office, insisting that the official residence of the Republic of the country deserved proper maintenance for future generations. Beyond structural repairs, the interior décor has also been updated.
Armchairs once used by his predecessor were replaced with wing chairs for guests, while the office desk was swapped for one featuring the Coat of Arms. The new design leans toward a crème colour scheme that the team has described as fostering openness and comfort. Displaying a childhood photograph takes the personalisation further, turning a largely formal institutional space into one that also reflects the president’s own life journey.
The decision to hang a personal picture continues Ruto’s efforts to leave a visible mark on State House. While some welcome the humanising element, others remain focused on the wider significance of changes made to the country’s official seat of power. The episode has sparked fresh conversation about how leaders choose to shape the spaces they occupy.
