Video: Ruto, wife Rachel show off vigorous dance as they get down to esikuti

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel hosted the 98th Kenya Music Festival State Concert at Bungoma State Lodge on August 14, 2026

- A choir dressed in matching blue traditional attire performed on stage, drawing enthusiastic responses from the formally dressed audience

- At one point, the President and his wife, Rachel Ruto, rose from their seats and joined in the celebrations in a moment that quickly spread online

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel turned the 98th Kenya Music Festival State Concert into a personal dance floor moment on Thursday, August 14, when the couple got up and danced to an Esikuti number during the event held at Bungoma State Lodge.

The event, hosted by the President and his wife, brought together a formally dressed audience for what was a celebratory state affair.

A choir performing in matching blue traditional attire took to the stage under concert lighting, delivering a set of performances that clearly resonated with the crowd.

William Ruto, wife join in Luhya dance

When the Esikuti music filled the room, Ruto and Rachel did not stay seated. The two stood up and danced along to the Luhya song, a moment that drew vibrant reactions from those in attendance and, shortly after, from Kenyans online.

Esikuti is a traditional Luhya dance style rooted in western Kenya, closely associated with the Isukuti drum, and it holds deep cultural significance in the region.

The fact that the concert was staged in Bungoma, a predominantly Luhya county, gave the performance an added layer of cultural weight.

Watch the moment Ruto and Rachel danced to Esikuti at the Bungoma State Lodge concert:

Kenyans react online

The clip spread quickly, with Kenyans flooding the comments section with a mix of humour, admiration and a few sharp political jabs.

@Korir Kamau said:

"Si alitukataza Isukuti?? Ama alikuwa anataka ikuwe yake? 😂😂😂"

@aggree said:

"Tena unacheza esikuti na uliteuleta juu juzi 😂😂😂."

@morsh said:

"🤣🤣 Hii ni isikuti yetu unadance?"

@Me llo said:

"I'm just impressed with first lady 🥰🥰."

@Jackline Mukula said:

"Luhya songs are on another level..."

@Almas said:

"Luhya to the world, always sweet music 🤩🤩."

@PEOPLE'S BAEке 🌹 said:

"Tunangoja pesa bana, pay bill inatungoja."

Several commenters pointed to the apparent irony of the President dancing to Esikuti, with some online users suggesting he had previously made dismissive remarks about Luhyas.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.