Mourners gathered in Mosocho, Kisii County, were treated to a surprising trip down memory lane on Friday. During the burial service for Mama Teresia, the mother of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga shared a secret from their youth.
In a lighthearted moment during the solemn ceremony, Ms Odinga revealed that she and the Senator were high school sweethearts. The revelation added a personal touch to the proceedings as leaders from across the political divide came to pay their respects.
The “Asumbi” Connection
Ms Odinga recalled their younger days when she was a student at Asumbi Girls High School. At the same time, Richard Onyonka was a student at Kisii Boys.
The Women Representative described herself as the woman who was there at the very beginning of the Senator’s journey. She spoke directly to the Senator, acknowledging the many people currently in his life compared to their simple high school days.
“Richard as you hear him being called Momoima, I’ve seen you’ve got so many kids around. He also has wives, but the one he started life with, when I was a young girl at Asumbi Girls, and he was in Kisii Boys those days, was yours truly, Ruth Odinga,” she said.
A Large and Known Family
The Senator’s personal life has been a topic of public interest recently. Following the death of his mother, Onyonka has been candid about his family structure. He confirmed that he is a father of 12 children.
Onyonka addressed the size of his family directly, noting that he does not keep his children a secret. He stated that the mothers of all his children are well-known within his social and family circles.
“My children are actually 12. Yes. And their mothers are known,” the Senator stated during a recent gathering.
The Akombe Marriage Bombshell
Perhaps the most significant recent revelation regarding the Senator’s private life is his marriage to Dr Roselyn Akombe. Dr Akombe is a former commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) who rose to international fame after resigning in 2017.
Onyonka confirmed the marriage during a meeting with friends and colleagues at his Kitengela home. He pointed to photographs of Dr Akombe with his late mother as evidence of their close bond.
A History of Care
The Senator highlighted that Dr Akombe played a vital role in his mother’s final years. She reportedly oversaw Mama Teresia’s medical treatment, which included facilitating specialised care in the United States.
While rumours of their connection had circulated for years, this mourning period marks the first time Senator Onyonka has publicly and explicitly confirmed their marital status.
The revelation by Ruth Odinga at the burial in Mosocho adds yet another chapter to the long and storied private life of the vocal Kisii legislator.
