Raila’s son marries Eritrean beauty

By Stevens Muendo

A year after filing for divorce against his wife Veronica Wanjiru, Prime Minister’s son Fidel Odinga has tied the knot for the second time with his Eritrean lover Lwam Getachew.

The ceremony took place at the Othodox church, Nairobi on Saturday morning before the couple hosted a 500-guest banquet at Lions Club, Loresho, late in the evening.

Unlike his much-publicised 2007 wedding ceremony, which was full of pomp and colour, the Saturday affair was a closely guarded invites-only ceremony. It was closed to the scrutiny of the media and the few paparazzi that tried to take pictures were thrown out.

Raila and Ida Odinga led family members from both families in witnessing the vows before they were joined by dignitaries and politicians among them Lands Minister James Orengo, Betty Murungi as well as the Eritrean Ambassador to Kenya, Beyene Russom.

After exchanging nuptials, the newly-weds had a congratulatory family moment in what seemed like a traditional wedding formalisation — in respect to the two different cultures. The menu also factored the culture issue as it tied in traditional Ethiopian- Eritrean sumptuous delicacies such as Tsebhy Derho (chicken stew in red pepper sauce), Tsebhy Begeeh (lamb stew in red peeper sauce) and Fitfit Alicha (lamb mixed with pieces of injera).

With rumours of Fidel going into politics come next year’s General Election, just as it was the case in 2007, pundits translate the happy union as a political move keen to establish the young Raila as the front runner in the next generation of the Odinga’s political dynasty.

Besides, all signs were clear that the two were headed to marriage after their one year and-a-half relationship which saw them visit some luxurious and prestigious world holiday destinations.

Fidel parted ways with his former wife due ‘irreconcilable’ differences.