Charlene Ruto Shares Lovely Photos Walking Hand in Hand with Raila Odinga: “Humbled Me”
- Charlene Ruto described her encounter with ODM leader Raila Odinga at the Homa Bay devolution conference
- Despite initially missing him, her team arranged another opportunity, which led to a warm exchange
- She shared photos of the meeting, as some Kenyans praised her initiative, while others attributed it to her dad
First Daughter Charlene Ruto has shared her surreal experience meeting Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga in Homa Bay county.
Source: Facebook
The politician was among the dignitaries who attended the devolution conference, where Charlene was presenting.
On Tuesday, August 19, the Smachs Foundation founder reflected on her first meeting with Raila.
“I had just picked up the microphone to contribute to the LREB panel on promoting nurturing care for early childhood development, and when I put it down, that’s when I saw the text message,” she narrated.
How did Charlene Ruto finally meet Raila Odinga?
The message informed Charlene that Raila was about to pass by her stand at the conference.
“It had been sent 10 minutes ago. I rushed to our booth, but I was too late; he had already left.”
Charlene said that while she initially missed the opportunity, her team came up with another plan for her to meet Raila, and they delivered.
“As promised, they ensured I had a conversation with him and re-invited him to our stand once he had shared his remarks at the plenary.”
According to the First Daughter, the gesture humbled her.
“It humbled me so much that Hon. Raila Odinga, together with the Cabinet Secretary of Health, Aden Duale, and with the support of Her Excellency Gladys Wanga, the Governor of Homa Bay, chose to walk back to my stand to listen to what we do.”
She rallied young people by saying:
“If we raise our voice, we truly have a listening and concerned ear. Thank you, Baba!”
One of the images showed Raila in an all-blue outfit while Charlene donned a striped dress as they walked hand in hand.
Another image showed Charlene deep in conversation with Raila, with amused looks on their faces.
Some Kenyans lauded Charlene, while others noted that her status as the First Daughter earned her Raila’s audience:
What did Kenyans say about Charlene-Raila meeting?
Orina Dominic:
“We have the dreams, but connectors to opportunities are what we lack!”
Evans Odumbe:
“Suppose you were an ordinary Kenyan like me, do you think Tinga and the ilk could have gone back to the stall?”
David Otieno Muyoma:
“You know why he did that. A PR stunt for the optics.”
Elishibah Njeri:
“Are you sure that if young Kenyans raise their voices, they have a listening ear?”
Jessie Awuor Ouma:
“Continue with that spirit.”
How did Ida Odinga treat daughter Winnie?
Source: Instagram
Still in Homa Bay, Ida Odinga drew attention when she personally picked up her daughter Winnie from Tom Mboya University.
She arrived in a helicopter, greeted warmly by Governor Gladys Wanga, before Winnie, an EALA legislator, joined her on board. The two exchanged a moment together before departure.
Many Kenyans viewed the scene as a mix of parental affection and privilege, sparking conversations about the lifestyles of political families.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
