Charlene Ruto, the daughter of President William Ruto, has stirred conversations online following her meeting with renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba.
The encounter took place during a summit in Nairobi, where Elba posed a question that resonated with many: “How can we amplify the stories and voices of young people?”
Charlene, clearly excited by the moment, shared a photo of herself with Elba on Instagram, writing: “I admit I was a bit starstruck today meeting the legend himself @idriselba. His one question to me was how can we amplify the stories and voices of young people? My answer? Only he can tell you. It was such a pleasure!”
The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of comments—many supportive, but others sharply critical.
On one side, supporters praised Charlene’s ongoing efforts to highlight youth issues. Comments like “Looking good Charlene. All the best as you keep championing the youth agenda,” and “Go girl!” reflected encouragement and admiration for her engagement with global figures.
However, the post also triggered a flurry of skepticism and sarcasm from many Kenyans, especially on social media platforms like Instagram.
Several questioned the relevance of such high-profile meetings when the current administration is being accused of failing the youth.
One user asked pointedly, “Did he ask why we have a president who has stolen the present of hundreds of youths from your country?”
Others echoed similar sentiments: “Wrong answer—only the young person in that moment can tell their stories, not the ruling class,” and “Amplify the voices of young people na baba yako ndio anatuzima uku nje?”
Some critiques were more personal and veered into commentary about her fashion choices, posture, and styling.
While a few offered constructive suggestions such as “African dresses as a First Daughter would be a great statement,” others went as far as mocking her appearance, calling out her wardrobe or even demanding better grooming for public appearances.
This is not the first time Charlene has found herself at the center of online firestorms. In past public addresses, she has spoken out about the toll of cyberbullying.
Speaking at a digital rights forum in Nairobi in October 2023, she opened up about the emotional impact of online hate.
“I’ve had to learn to develop thick skin,” she said during the panel discussion. “Sometimes you wake up to a storm on social media for simply attending an event or posting something light-hearted. It can be overwhelming.”
Despite the frequent criticism, Charlene has remained consistent in her messaging, often using hashtags like #AlwaysForTheYoungPeople and positioning herself as an advocate for youth development and inclusion.
Her efforts have included youth empowerment tours, startup forums, and digital campaigns targeting issues such as climate change, unemployment, and innovation.
by geoffrey mbuthia
