‘I Showed Up For My Sister’ Winnie Odinga Sets Politics Aside to Celebrate Charlene Ruto’s Traditional Engagement

In a moment that transcended political divides, Winnie Odinga joined President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto in celebrating the traditional engagement of Charlene Chelagat Ruto to Tanzanian tech entrepreneur Isaya Yunge in Kilgoris on Saturday.

The event drew a distinguished guest list including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, family members, and close friends, all adorned in colourful traditional attire accented by beads to honour the rich cultural rituals of the Koito ak Chaik ceremony.

“Maneno aside, today I showed up for my sister Charlene. Blushing bride, didn’t know there was a hand squeezing competition ahead! Blessings to Char and Isayah,” Winnie wrote on social media.

President Ruto, beaming with pride, offered a heartfelt blessing to his daughter and her fiancé. “As your parents, we are proud of you, we rejoice with you, and we will always stand beside you,” the President said.

First Lady Rachel Ruto shared an emotional message, reflecting on her daughter’s journey into marriage. “My dear Charlene, today I bless you with a heart full of love, gratitude, and joy. Watching you grow into the beautiful woman you are has been one of my greatest blessings,” Mama Rachel said. “As you begin this new chapter, may God go before you, guide your steps, protect you, and bless the home you are about to build. May your marriage be filled with love, patience, wisdom, peace, and lasting joy.”

Yunge, a Tanzanian entrepreneur and founder of the scholarship platform SomaApp, is a former Queen’s Young Leaders Award recipient, adding an international dimension to the union.

Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many celebrating the cultural richness of the ceremony, while others noted the opulent arrivals and high-profile guest list. Supporters like Esther Passaris described the event as a “beautiful and deeply meaningful celebration of love, family and tradition.“