Behind Kenya's most powerful politicians are the women who have stood by them through thick and thin. While their public lives are filled with political battles and high-stakes decisions, their love stories provide a glimpse of the personal journeys that made and shaped them.
From random encounters to enduring marriages, the tales of how President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and opposition leader Raila Odinga met their wives reveal a side of these men that very few individuals get to experience.
This is how Kenya's politicians fell in love and built families that have stood the test of time:
William and Rachel Ruto
President Ruto's love story with his wife, Rachel Ruto, is one founded on a shared faith and common purpose. It began in church, where they were both part of the North Rift Evangelistic Team, a group dedicated to spreading the gospel.
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“She was a member of the choir like me; we were both members of an evangelistic team called the North Rift Evangelistic Team,” Ruto said a t a previous interview.
The shared urge to serve had them tour together on countless missions, a tie that went beyond the pulpit.
Rachel, who had completed her secondary education at Butere Girls High School, proceeded to pursue a Bachelor of Education at Kenyatta University. While undergoing teaching practice at Kessup Girls, fate knocked once more. "She was posted to Kessup Girls for teaching practice, and I was generally around, and that is where our love history grew from. The rest is history," Ruto narrated.
What started as a relationship built on faith developed into a lifetime partnership. Ruto married Rachel in 1991, and their marriage would see them rise to occupy Kenya's highest office. The two not only share a strongly held belief today but also a family, raising seven children together.
Uhuru and Margaret Kenyatta
The ex-president shared two fascinating stories of how he met his wife, Margaret Kenyatta; both painting a picture of love at first sight.
In one of the accounts, Uhuru said he was swimming with his father, Kenya's founding president Jomo Kenyatta, who nudged him towards Margaret. "I first met Margaret while swimming with my dad, and he nudged me to speak with her," Uhuru previously revealed.
That seemingly small meeting had led to a lifetime partnership, one that he valued. "I have now known her for most of my life. She is my friend, partner, and staunch supporter. Strong and successful women make a strong and successful Kenya."
In the second account, Uhuru gave a different but equally charming description of their first meeting. This one began in high school, where his friendship with Margaret's brother led him to meet her.
"How did I meet the First Lady? When I met the First Lady, she wasn't the First Lady. She was just another. wonderful, beautiful girl," he said.
“I first met her brother in secondary school, and we became friends. Through him, I managed to meet his younger sister, and we started off a relationship that has lasted from high school till now. I’m thankful to God for that," he divulged.
Whichever story came first, it is clear that Uhuru and Margaret's journey was one of deep friendship, love, and unwavering support. The two are blessed with three children: Jomo Kenyatta, Ngina Kenyatta, and Jaba Kenyatta.
Raila and Ida Odinga
Raila and Ida Odinga's love story began when they met at a random meeting. Raila's cousin married Ida's cousin.
According to Odinga, while serving as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, his cousin visited and together they went to Pangani Estate to visit Ida's brother.
At Pangani, they found Ida and her sisters. This was Raila's first meeting with Ida. “She was there with her sisters; they were having a family gathering in Pangani, and that’s where we met for the first time.”
The moment he set eyes on Ida, there was something about her that caught his attention. "There are people you see, and they just capture your attention. She looked different from the others I had been with, and I told my cousin I wanted to see that lady again.”
Desiring to know her better, Raila invited Ida to a party, which she attended with her sisters. As the evening unfolded, their connection deepened, marking the beginning of the beautiful love journey.
Ida and Raila have four children together, the late Fidel Odinga, Rosemary Odinga, Raila Junior, and Winnie Odinga.
