In Kenya, politics often intertwines with privilege and prestige.
These are the sons and daughters-in-law of prominent politicians, individuals who have found love and connection within the corridors of political power.
In this article, WoK looks at some of these fortunate souls who have married into Kenya’s political elite.
Alexander Ezenagu
In 2021, Alexander Ezenagu made headlines when he married June, the first-born daughter of Deputy President William Ruto.
Alexander, a Nigerian, was thrust into the limelight due to his union with the prominent family.
He recently caused a stir when he was appointed as a senior research fellow at Strathmore University Business School.
According to The Star, Ezenagu is the founder and Chief Consultant of Sapient Consulting Group, a professional firm that has offices in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, among other countries.
His wedding with June caused an online uproar as some wondered why the president’s daughter had married a foreigner.
Nyaga Karanja
Nyaga Karanja is the son-in-law of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, having wedded Maryanne Mudavadi in a glamorous traditional ceremony that was held in Mudavadi’ s Mululu home.
Nyaga, a respected lawyer, is the head of the Corporate and Commercial Department at KNG & Co. Advocates LLP. He holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Nairobi.
Their wedding was a celebration of Kikuyu traditions, including the Ruracio dowry payment ceremony, the wedding itself, and Kwara Rutara, a custom where the bride’s parents visit their in-law’s home.
The African-themed event oozed class and elegance, a testament to the rich heritage and sophistication that this couple embodies.
Alex Mwai
Alex Mwai is the lucky man who married Ngina Kenyatta, daughter of former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
He is the son of Sam Mwai, who is the CEO of Maiyan Luxury Resort in Nanyuki.
Alex is said to be an accomplished investor as he is the current investment director at Hesabu Capital, a Nairobi-based Venture Capital (VC) firm that has invested in startups such as agritech platform Apollo Agriculture and social entrepreneurship startup Jibu.
What’s remarkable about Mwai and Ngina’s love story is that the couple allegedly dated for an impressive 12 years before tying the knot
Yvonne Wambui
Yvonne Wambui is the wife of Raila Odinga’s fourth-born son, Raila Junior. She hails from Kandara, Murang’a.
According to online sources, she is the daughter of Suzanne Gachukia, a local songstress.
Her grandfather, Daniel Gachukia, is the founder of Riara University and the Riara Group of Schools.
Odinga junior and Wambui exchanged vows in 2011 at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club in Nairobi. The ceremony was attended by prominent politicians including Daniel Moi, John Michuki, and Anyang’ Nyong’o.
The couple welcomed a son in 2021. In an interview with a local radio, Raila Junior narrated the five-year frustrations the couple underwent before they finally got a son.
Naisula Leteipan
Earlier this year, Alvin Wetangula, the eldest son of National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula, tied the knot with fiancée Naisula Leteipan.
Their green-themed wedding was attended by many influential figures in Kenyan politics, including former Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo, Trade CS Moses Kuri, Gladys Shollei, among others.
However, not much is known about the Maasai beauty, leaving a veil of mystery around her in this high-profile political union.
Joy Cheptile
Ms. Joy Cheptile is the daughter-in-law of National Assembly deputy speaker Gladys Boss Sholei. In July this year, the beauty wedded Kim Kogos, who is Shollei’s son.
Their wedding was a private event that was graced by some of the big names in Kenya’s social and political scene.
