Rachael Otuoma reveals why she wants new hubby Ongoma to pay her dowry in pounds
By Steve Ireri, July 31, 2026TikToker Rachael Otuoma has revealed that her new husband, Ongoma, will not pay her dowry in cows, saying such an arrangement could force her late husband’s family to take back the livestock given as bride price during her previous marriage.
Speaking in a TikTok live on Thursday, July 30, 2026, Rachael explained that she did not want a situation where the cows given by her late husband, former Kenyan Premier League footballer Ezekiel Otuoma, would have to be returned.
According to Rachael, accepting cows as dowry from her new partner would create a complicated situation because the traditional bride price given by her late husband would have to be taken back.
“You see, if I prefer him to bring cows as my dowry, then that means those that my late hubby, Ezekiel Otuoma, had brought will be taken back,” she explained.
She therefore said she preferred her new husband to pay the dowry in cash, specifically in pounds, which she described as the strongest currency.
Rachael said she was uncomfortable with the idea of having two bride prices paid in her name, arguing that she would rather avoid a situation where the cows previously given by Otuoma would have to be returned.
“So, being that I do not want those that Otuoma had given out to be taken back, let him just go and give out pounds as dowry,” she said.
Rachael went on to explain that she did not want two separate bride prices to be given in her name, making cash the more practical option for her new marriage.
“You see, I prefer that he gives out pounds because I do not think I am okay with two bride prices being given out in my name,” she added.
The TikToker also pointed to the value of the British pound, saying she had settled on the currency because she considered it the strongest option for the dowry payment.
“The strongest currency right now is the pound, and that is what I want him to give,” she said.
Rachael further revealed that Ong’uma had already accepted that he would not be able to pay her dowry using cows, meaning that the new arrangement would involve a cash payment instead.
“And he himself has already accepted that he cannot give out a dowry of cows. So he will have to give the cash,” she said.
Late hubby
Rachael was married to Otuoma, a former Kenyan Premier League footballer who played for clubs including AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, Western Stima and Muhoroni Youth.
Their marriage became widely known across Kenya after Otuoma was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), in November 2020.
The progressive neurological condition gradually affected Otuoma’s mobility and speech, eventually forcing him to use a wheelchair and bringing his football career to an end.
Throughout his illness, Rachael remained by his side as his primary caregiver and regularly shared their journey with the public, while also using her platform to raise awareness about MND and the challenges faced by families caring for people living with the condition.
Otuoma died on December 20, 2024, after a four-year battle with the disease. He was later laid to rest on January 11, 2025, at his family home in Ramula, Gem, Siaya County.