Cadette for Jesus: Rachel Ruto rocks a special uniform at Nairobi church service
By Faith Lagat, October 12, 2025First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto on Sunday, October 12, 2025, stood out at the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Ziwani held at Starehe Boys Centre, Nairobi, after appearing in full cadet uniform—not the military one.
The event marked seven decades since the church’s establishment in 1955 and brought together national leaders, clergy, and congregants to celebrate its longstanding ministry.
President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen were among the high-profile leaders who joined the celebrations.
Symbolic appearance
Mama Rachel Ruto’s ceremonial attire drew attention as she joined AIC cadet members during a solemn part of the service.
She wore a light blue crochet beret with red and white trimmings, a crisp white blouse, and lace gloves. A light blue sash decorated with red and white badges featuring Christian symbols was draped over her shoulder, along with a light blue skirt with white stockings and white shoes.
Holding a Bible upright in her right hand, she stood alongside cadets, among them Gender CS Hannah Cheptumo, in a moment of prayer, pledge, or worship, reflecting the formal and disciplined tone of the occasion.
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, alongside Gender CS Hannah Cheptumo during 70th anniversary celebrations of the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Ziwani held at Starehe Boys Centre, Nairobi. PHOTO/@kipmurkomen/X
The First Lady’s presence highlighted the church’s emphasis on faith and community service as it marked its 70-year journey. Her appearance in a cadet uniform mirrored the ceremonial discipline often associated with AIC traditions during major celebrations.
During the celebrations, some people who don the special uniform are referred to as Cadette for Jesus, while others are called Cadette Stars.
Donning of the attire and the celebration form an integral part of Africa Inland Church Christian education. The programmes are designed to nurture young girls in their Christian faith, instil strong moral values, and equip them for a life of service.
The distinction between Cadette for Jesus and Cadette Star suggests a progressive structure based on age and spiritual maturity in that religious institution.
Reflections and messages
In a post shared on X, Mama Rachel Ruto celebrated the milestone and reflected on the church’s journey. “We celebrate 70 years of God’s grace and faithfulness upon the Africa Inland Church Ziwani in Nairobi. Truly, His grace has been sufficient through every season. As we mark this remarkable milestone, we pray that His grace will continue to abound, covering AIC Ziwani and strengthening its impact in the community. We joined brethren to mark the 70th anniversary celebrations of AIC Ziwani at Starehe Boys grounds in Nairobi,” she wrote.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen also shared his reflections online, quoting scripture to mark the occasion. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose.”, Philippians 2:13. “Honoured to join H.E. President William Ruto, fellow leaders, and the faithful of AIC Ziwani at Starehe Boys Centre, Nairobi, as we celebrate the church’s 70 years of faith, fellowship, and God’s grace,” he stated.
The celebration brought together congregants from across Nairobi to reflect on AIC Ziwani’s growth and its role in evangelical outreach since its founding.