In Kenya, politics frequently becomes entwined with privilege and prestige, as individuals enter into marital unions within the corridors of political power. In this piece, we explore some of these fortunate individuals who have become part of Kenya’s political elite.
Alexander Ezenagu
In 2021, the Nigerian Alexander Ezenagu garnered widespread attention when he married June, the eldest daughter of Deputy President William Ruto. This union catapulted Alexander into the limelight, as he was now connected to a prominent political family. Recently, he caused a stir by being appointed as a senior research fellow at Strathmore University Business School. Additionally, Alexander is the founder and Chief Consultant of Sapient Consulting Group, a professional firm with offices in several African countries. His marriage to June sparked online discussions, with some questioning the decision of the president’s daughter to marry a foreigner.
Nyaga Karanja
Nyaga Karanja, the son-in-law of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, entered into a blissful marriage with Maryanne Mudavadi in a lavish traditional ceremony held at Mudavadi’s Mululu residence. Nyaga, a highly regarded lawyer, currently heads 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, encompassing the Ruracio dowry payment ceremony, the wedding itself, and Kwara Rutara, a custom involving the bride’s parents visiting their in-laws. The event exuded class and sophistication, reflecting the couple’s rich heritage.
Alex Mwai
Alex Mwai had the privilege of marrying Ngina Kenyatta, the daughter of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He is the son of Sam Mwai, the CEO of Maiyan Luxury Resort in Nanyuki. Alex is an accomplished investor and currently serves as the investment director at Hesabu Capital, a Nairobi-based Venture Capital (VC) firm known for its investments in startups like agritech platform Apollo Agriculture and social entrepreneurship startup Jibu. What sets Alex and Ngina’s love story apart is the fact that the couple reportedly dated for an impressive 12 years before finally tying the knot.
Yvonne Wambui
Yvonne Wambui is the wife of Raila Odinga’s fourth-born son, Raila Junior, and hails from Kandara, Murang’a. She is the daughter of Suzanne Gachukia, a local songstress, and 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, with prominent politicians like Daniel Moi, John Michuki, and Anyang’ Nyong’o in attendance. The couple welcomed a son in 2021, following five years of challenges, as revealed by Raila Junior in a local radio interview.
Naisula Leteipan
Earlier this year, Alvin Wetangula, the eldest son of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, tied the knot with Naisula Leteipan. Their wedding featured a green-themed ceremony attended by numerous influential figures in Kenyan politics, including former Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo, Trade CS Moses Kuri, Gladys Shollei, and others. However, Naisula Leteipan remains somewhat of a mystery in this high-profile political union.
Joy Cheptile
Joy Cheptile, the daughter-in-law of National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, married Kim Kogos in a private event in July of this year. Their wedding attracted several prominent figures from Kenya’s social and political circles, creating a memorable occasion for the couple.
