Charlene Ruto has described her recent encounter with Raila Odinga as a humbling experience after finally meeting the ODM leader at the Homa Bay devolution conference. The First Daughter was attending the event as a panelist, representing her Smachs Foundation on early childhood development.
How Did Charlene Ruto Meet Raila Odinga?
Charlene revealed that she almost missed Raila completely. “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 said. The message, sent ten minutes earlier, had informed her that Raila was passing by her stand. By the time she rushed over, he had already left.
Her team quickly came up with another plan to make the meeting happen. “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,” she explained.
Why Did the Experience Matter to Charlene?
Charlene said the moment exceeded her expectations. “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 used the opportunity to encourage young Kenyans, adding, “If we raise our voice, we truly have a listening and concerned ear. Thank you, Baba!”
How Did Kenyans React to the Meeting?
Public reactions to Charlene’s photos with Raila were mixed. Orina Dominic praised her effort, writing: “We have the dreams, but connectors to opportunities are what we lack!” Evans Odumbe was skeptical, asking whether an ordinary Kenyan would receive the same gesture. David Otieno Muyoma dismissed it as “a PR stunt for the optics,” while Elishibah Njeri questioned whether young people’s voices are truly heard. Others, like Jessie Awuor Ouma, encouraged Charlene to keep pushing forward.
By Risper Akinyi