Mary Biketi opens up about airport encounter that sparked romance with Oparanya
Mary Biketi, the girlfriend of Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, has shared the intriguing and rather unique way she met him, revealing that she was simply at Wilson Airport, waiting to board a flight to Kisumu, when she unexpectedly bumped into the former ODM party deputy leader.
Speaking candidly during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Biketi recounted how fate seemed to intervene, as they ended up on the same flight, leading to an unexpected conversation that sparked a love affair that has since become the talk of the town.
According to her, she had never known the CS before that encounter, and it was not until he sat next to her on the plane that they exchanged their first words.
“We crossed paths at Wilson Airport while heading to Kisumu, as we were on the same flight. I did not know him before, but he sat next to me, and from there, the rest is history.”
However, Biketi was quick to dispel the notion that it was love at first sight, clarifying that they did not immediately jump into a relationship.
Instead, she revealed that they spent several days talking before officially starting to date. She reflected on how they took their time to get to know each other, and though their feelings eventually blossomed, it was not instantaneous.
“I just saw him getting in, and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ After that, it was, ‘I’m so-and-so,’ and that was it, but it did not start there. Love at first sight? No, it happened later,” she explained.
Biketi further shared her thoughts on how people judge her partner, particularly regarding his polygamous lifestyle. She stated that despite the criticisms, she remains focused on her own life, and is not swayed by the judgemental views of others.
“People do not know that he is a very responsible dad. People judge him a lot when it comes to women. We all know he is polygamous, and there are those who will always judge. I always keep myself busy.”
Perfect husband
Moving on, Biketi praised her partner, Wycliffe Oparanya, and firmly rejected any insinuations that aspects of his life, including his polygamous nature, put her off.
She explained that she was fully aware of what she was stepping into and was at peace with it and emphasised that she does not mind his fame, as she knows how to keep herself busy.
“He is not the first prominent person I have had. Number two, he is polygamous, and it is ok. I was comfortable with that. We are not going there,” she said confidently.
In addition, Biketi shared that she and her co-wives live very comfortable lives, thanks to Oparanya’s generosity and success.
She also revealed that he had even opened a business for her. However, she made it clear that she does not depend on him entirely for financial support, saying that she is content and self-sufficient.
“He has really empowered us; we have businesses. We do not depend on him fully. I do not struggle with anything. I am satisfied. If he comes, fine; if he does not, fine.”
When asked about her views on the government her partner works for, especially given its criticism for failing to deliver to Kenyans, Biketi chose not to comment.
However, she did admit that they sometimes discuss government issues when watching the news together, but she made it clear that she never presses him for answers.
“I do not put my nose in his business. His work is his, and mine is mine. As for the government, I watch the news, and I can comment, but sitting down and talking about it? No,” she insisted.
Photos leak
The news about the two being an item first surfaced in April of 2024 after photos of the former Kakamega Governor alongside Biketi began making rounds online, triggering whispers and murmurs about a possible romantic entanglement.
The photos, which were initially shared by Biketi on her personal Facebook page, captured moments of the two in what appeared to be intimate company, with one image in particular showing them clasping hands — a sight that instantly set the internet alight.
At the time, social media users were quick to raise eyebrows, with questions swirling over whether the former ODM deputy party leader had found new love.
Oparanya, who later confirmed the authenticity of the photos and a video that also surfaced, did not deny the closeness but remained coy on defining their relationship. Speaking to K24 Digital, he maintained that the photos were nothing out of order and were, in fact, “genuine” images between two individuals who share affection for one another.
“I have seen someone circulating genuine photos. I do not know why someone would waste time circulating them. It is very unfortunate that wherever I took those photos, they leaked them to the press. Those are very decent photos, and I do not know the interest that people have when you have taken photos with a loved one,” he stated.
At the time, he appeared unfazed by the storm surrounding the pictures but seemed disappointed that such personal moments had been exposed to the glare of public scrutiny without his consent.
Adding to the swirl of online speculation, unfounded claims also began to circulate that the former governor had been hospitalised, fuelling concerns over his health. However, Oparanya promptly rubbished the rumours, insisting that not only was he in perfect health, but he was also enjoying time away in Mombasa, reconnecting with old friends.
“There is now fake news that I am in hospital, that I am sick, and here I am. I have a big family to protect. Those sending out fake news should stop. Here I can speak. I’ve been in Mombasa meeting my old people,” he said.
