Ida Odinga Opens Up on Strained Relationship With Rachel Ruto

Photo Collage Between Ida Odinga and Rachel Ruto
Photo Collage Between Ida Odinga and Rachel Ruto
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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga's wife, Ida Odinga, has opened up on her relationship with Rachael Ruto, the wife of Deputy President William Ruto.

Speaking to Nation Africa on Wednesday, November 10, Ida stated that her relationship with Rachel at the moment is strained and uncomfortable.

She noted that despite her being easy with First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, the current political situation has reserved her friendship with Rachel.

Rachel Ruto and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta During a Past Political Event in 2019
Rachel Ruto and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta During a Past Political Event in 2019
First Lady Kenya

Ida went on to state that despite being cordial friends with Rachel, at the moment they do not meet often.

“With Margaret, we are easy but for Rachel, I know with the current political situation, she may not be comfortable but what Kenyans should know is that politics is not enmity,” she told the Nation.

“In fact, we are friends although we don’t meet often. But I need not ask for permission from anyone to meet anybody,” she insisted.

"There are certain decisions that I can also make. If I need consultation, I’ll consult, but there are certain decisions I can make as a human being.”

Ida, justifying her sentiments, noted that Ruto may not allow Rachel to engage her because of the current political atmosphere.

"Even with Rachel we would be easy, but I know it won’t be easy for her. The spouse may not allow her to engage me for obvious political reasons. He may not like it."

She, however, noted that Raila does not influence or direct her on who she mingles with in the political arena.

"I don’t ask for permission to meet anybody. I’m a senior citizen. I’m not mzee’s little child (smiles). There are certain decisions that I can also make. If I need consultation, I’ll consult, but there are certain decisions I can make as a human being," Ida maintained.

For the last few years, Ida and Rachel have not been seen together, with most people questioning their relationship. 

In a past interview, Ida had stated that her relationship with Rachel was more closer than that with Margaret and even Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

"I tend to know Rachel Ruto a little bit more than all the others because when we were still in ODM we interacted a lot and we did a lot of campaigns together but even after that, we’ve met for a cup of tea a couple of times," she stated.

But over years, the relationship has grown to become uncomfortable majorly being influenced by the political differences between their husbands.

Initially, Ida opened up on admiring Rachel Ruto for her strong religious background but currently, that may not be the case.

She is fully behind Raila's presidency maintaining that he is the best option for this country.

"I think he has got good ideas for this nation compared to anybody else. Maybe that’s because I know him better.  But I feel he has good ideas and the interest of this nation at heart," Ida concluded.

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Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga shares cake with Ida Odinga at Ogande Girls High School in Homa Bay County in 2019
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