How Ruto Challenged Wife To World Cup Bet And Lost
Despite Ruto later congratulating Argentina and admitting that his France team were beaten following a brilliant late performance...
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto has now found himself on uncomfortable grounds hours after losing a bet he made with his wife, First Lady Rachel Ruto, regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals between Argentina and France.
The Head of State on Sunday, December 18 placed a bet on France retaining the World Cup owing to the majority of its players in the squad possessing African roots, including Kylian Mbappe who scored a hat trick in the high-octane match, becoming the first man to do so since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final.
Mama Rachel rooted for Argentina to win their third World Cup, with Lionel Messi leading the team to their first-ever honours since 1986.
Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts the FIFA World Cup on December 18, 2022. /TWITTER
"Supporting the African team in the world Cup finals. Good luck Rachel and kids as you support the other side. Remember to pay the bet!! Either way, expecting fine football," tweeted Ruto, to which Mama Rachel responded, "Game on Bill. May the best team win. Vamos (let's go) Argentina!!!"
The end-to-end match saw all manner of emotions from fans supporting both sides in play, but it was Mama Rachel who had the last laugh as Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes.
Bayern Munich forwards Kingsley Coman and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Djani Tchouameni missed their crucial spot kicks.
Rachel took to social media to remind his husband, whom she calls Bill, to pay the bill.
“The emotive game saw fingers crossed across the world. But, as is the essence of all sports, a best among equals had to be found. And, Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalty kicks after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
“I want to join the rest of the world in congratulating the Argentina National Football Team, captained by Lionel Messi, for winning the 2022 World Cup tournament. Wear your three stars with pride! Bill, pay your bill,” part of her statement read.
Despite Ruto later congratulating Argentina and admitting that his France team were beaten following a brilliant late performance, he wondered on Monday, December 19 how betting in football works while lamenting that he cannot use the Hustler Fund to pay what he owes his wife.
"I cannot pay the debt with the Hustler Fund, they are saying that the money is for hustling. Isorait. There's no silence in my household. There's pressure from lady number 1 and the kids.
"My chicken will help pay off the debt. But let me ask, does a debt expire after 90 minutes or is extra time counted? Even penalty shootouts? Just asking," he posed in Sheng.
President Ruto was in attendance at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, where the final was played, alongside his Rwandanese compatriot Paul Kagame and the head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino.
Presidents Ruto, Kagame and FIFA's Gianni Infantino watching the WorldCup final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18, 2022. /TWITTER
