Veronica Wanjiru Ng’ang’a: The Untold Story of Fidel Odinga’s First Wife

Introduction

Before his tragic death, Fidel Odinga made headlines for his charm and political family ties.
But long before that, he was known for his marriage to Veronica Wanjiru Ng’ang’a — a union that captured Kenya’s attention.
Their wedding in 2007 was more than a love story.
It was a symbol of peace between Kenya’s two biggest communities — the Luo and the Kikuyu.

Today, Veronica lives away from the spotlight.
Her name, however, still appears in news stories linked to Fidel Odinga’s estate.
This is the story of the woman who once stood beside the son of Raila Odinga.

Early Life and Background

Little is known about Veronica Wanjiru’s early life.
She was born in Central Kenya, though her exact hometown and school details remain private.
Her family was known to be respected and connected in business circles around Nairobi.
Those who met her described her as calm, elegant, and humble.

Unlike many political spouses, Veronica never enjoyed the limelight.
She avoided interviews and public attention even when she was married to one of Kenya’s most famous political sons.

Marriage to Fidel Odinga

In 2007, Fidel Odinga married Veronica Wanjiru Ng’ang’a.
Their traditional wedding was colourful and widely covered by the media.
It was seen as a powerful symbol of unity between two communities often divided by politics.

The event drew top leaders and business figures.
Photos from the day showed the couple smiling, surrounded by family and friends.
It was a happy time for both families — the Odingas from Nyanza and the Ng’ang’as from Central Kenya.

Many Kenyans hoped the marriage would set an example for national unity.
But within a few years, things began to fall apart.

Separation and Divorce

By 2011, the once-celebrated couple had grown apart.
According to reports from AllAfrica and The Standard, Fidel Odinga filed for divorce at the Nairobi Magistrate’s Court in November 2011.
The case was titled “Raila’s Son Files Case to End Marriage.”

The reasons for their split were never made public.
Both Fidel and Veronica kept silent, avoiding the media.
Sources close to the family said the decision was mutual and respectful.
Their marriage lasted about four years and did not produce any children.

The divorce marked the end of a union that had once symbolized hope for many Kenyans.

Life After Divorce

After the separation, Veronica Wanjiru disappeared from the public scene.
She stopped appearing at political events and avoided social gatherings.
Her social media presence, if any, has never been verified.

Fidel Odinga later remarried.
In 2012, he tied the knot with Lwam Bekele, an Ethiopian-Kenyan businesswoman.
The two had one son together before Fidel’s sudden death in January 2015.

While Lwam continued to appear in public events, Veronica remained silent.
She never commented on her past marriage or Fidel’s death.

Back in the Headlines

In 2025, Veronica’s name surfaced again.
This time, it was not about love but about Fidel Odinga’s estate.
The Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) listed Fidel among those with dormant assets.
News outlets such as Kenyans.co.ke and LawGuide mentioned Veronica as Fidel’s first wife while covering the story.

There is no evidence that Veronica has made any legal claim to the estate.
Still, her past connection keeps her name relevant whenever Fidel’s wealth or inheritance issues are discussed.

Why She Remains a Mystery

Very little is known about what happened to Veronica Wanjiru after her divorce.
She has stayed away from interviews, social media, and politics.
No public record shows her current career or location.

Her silence has led many Kenyans to describe her as “the mysterious first wife.”
Unlike other women linked to public figures, Veronica seems to have chosen a quiet, private life.

Her decision to disappear from fame might be deliberate — a way to protect her peace after years in the public eye.

Legacy and Symbolism

Even though her marriage ended, Veronica Wanjiru Ng’ang’a remains part of Kenya’s political story.
Her 2007 wedding with Fidel Odinga represented unity across tribal and political lines.
It showed that love could bridge Kenya’s deep divisions.

Today, her name evokes memories of a hopeful time in Kenyan politics.
She may live quietly, but her story continues to interest Kenyans who remember the symbolic power of her union with Fidel.

Conclusion

Veronica Wanjiru Ng’ang’a is more than just Fidel Odinga’s first wife.
She is a reminder of how personal stories can reflect a nation’s struggles and hopes.
Her quiet life after fame shows strength, grace, and the desire for privacy in a world that never forgets.

Though she stays away from the public eye, Veronica’s short but powerful chapter in Kenya’s history will always be remembered. Read about the second wife https://www.whispers.co.ke/1023/celebrities/2025/the-little-known-story-of-lwam-getachew-bekele-fidel-odingas-widow/