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Winnie Odinga hilariously congratulates Charlene Ruto on her engagement
09th August, 2026 07:06 AM
East African Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga hilariously congratulated Charlene Ruto on her engagement to Isaya Yunge, using a playful joke about the groom and her father, Raila Odinga.
Winnie shared photos from the Koito ceremony, including one of Charlene and another showing her shaking hands with President William Ruto.
Her remarks were made in jest as she celebrated Charlene’s special day. She said she had attended the ceremony to support Charlene, whom she referred to as her sister, while also praising her appearance as a bride.
“I told him that ‘Baba yangu alinituma Tanzania, siku jua Charlene ananifuata nyuma kuninyima bwana!’” Winnie Odinga said.
Winnie Odinga’s post. PHOTO/@realwinnieodinga/Instagram
The joke was accompanied by a photo carousel showing moments from the ceremony. One slide featured Charlene, while another showed Winnie and President William Ruto shaking hands during the event, adding to the playful nature of her post.
Winnie celebrates Charlene’s special day
Winnie then put the joke aside and focused on congratulating Charlene and Isaya Yunge. She said she had attended the ceremony to stand with Charlene as she marked an important moment in her life.
“All Maneno aside, today I showed up for my sister Charlene,” Winnie Odinga said.
She also described Charlene as a bride who was visibly happy during the ceremony. Winnie went on to send her blessings to the newly engaged couple as they begin this new chapter together.
“A Blushing bride!” Winnie Odinga said, “Blessings to Char and Isayah.”
Winnie also made another light joke about her interaction with President Ruto during the ceremony. She referred to the moment as a hand-squeezing competition, adding another playful comment to her congratulations.
“I didn’t know there was a hand squeezing competition ahead!” Winnie Odinga said.
The ceremony was held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Kilgoris, Narok County. It brought together government officials, politicians, friends and other guests, with pictures from the event giving the public a first look inside the traditional engagement and farewell celebration.
The event came after weeks of speculation linked to an invitation card bearing the names of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. The card announced the Koito ak Chaik ceremony for their daughter, Charlene Chelagat Ruto.
