Rachael and her husband Ezekiel Otuoma having |PHOTO COURTESY|
Shortly after Ezekiel Otuoma’s demise, Kenyans took to their social media platforms to honour his wife, Rachael Otuoma, for standing with him at his lowest.
Rachael Otuoma, who has been married to the former AFC Leopards striker for over ten years, is the new symbol used as an epitome of loyalty and resilience in marriage, after taking care of her husband tirelessly for the past four years, that is after the player was diagnosed with a condition known as Motor Neurone Disease — a condition that affects the nerves, causes weakness in the muscles and leads to eventual paralysis.
Rachael has not only shown her love for her husband by sticking by his side during his illness, but through many gestures that were captured. Despite Otuoma being stuck in a wheelchair due to his condition, she ensured that he was involved in whatever she was doing. She would have her husband make appearances in most of her videos on TikTok, they attended parties together, had good times together with friends, and she ensured he took his medication.
This was further proven at her birthday last night, shortly before Otuoma’s demise, when she was told to make a wish, and she blew off the candle, wishing her husband full recovery.
Unfortunately, her wish did not come true, because her husband’s condition deteriorated after that, where he succumbed to death on his way to the hospital.
“In death, I love you. Your love was a gift and I’ll cherish it forever.” Rachael painfully penned in her last message to her husband.
Trisha Khalid, a Kenyan actress honoured Rachael for her unwavering love for Otuoma, with support, strength and resilience.
“I want to honor Rachel Otuoma for her incredible strength, patience, and resilience, and most of all, for her unwavering love for her husband. May Otuoma’s soul rest in peace.”
Commending Rachael, football enthusiastic and analyst, Kevin Wuod Adori described her as a rare gem and a strong lady who deserves special recognition, while mourning the footballer.
“As we mourn the late footballer Ezekiel Otuoma, his wife needs a special recognition. She’s indeed a strong lady. If there is a lady to be given flowers, then Rachel deserve more than all, she really stood with Ezekiel Otuoma throughout the trying moments. That’s very rare in today’s world. May God comfort her and the entire family during this trying moment,” wrote Kevin.
Ramogi TV presenter Stella Brenda Ochieng said that Rachael loved her husband unconditionally, affirming that she is the strongest and bravest woman she has ever met.
“The pain was too much, a pain that was battled silently n sealed with unconditional love. Rachael Otuoma, may the Almighty open the gates of strength, massive comfort and endless rewards full of blessings. I thought I was strong and brave until I met you, I salute you mama,” admitted Brenda.
Social media user Jeremy Bright while sending his message of condolence, said that if every man can have a woman like Racheal, then men would happily live
“I wish every man could have a Rachael in their life. I’m sure Otuoma died a happy man knowing he had a truthful woman by his side. Rest in peace Otuoma. You’ve fought a good fight! Take heart Rachael Otuoma, am pretty sure he’s happy wherever he is and you deserve a thousand golds for sticking with your husband,” he said.
Sandra Dacha, a popular comedian and actress heightened that Rachael is the real epitome of resilience, while acknowledging her for standing firm with her husband during his ailing times.
“Racheal Otuoma you are the real definition of FOR BETTER AND FOR WORSE! Thank you sooooo very much for all you did for your husband. May God’s Grace cover you through the storm,” asserted Dacha.
Besides the people who celebrated Rachael and Otuoma’s love is the Ugandan socialite and business woman Zari, who joined Kenyans in mourning Otuoma through her social media platform, after learning about his demise on TikTok.
“Another day to cry with strangers. My heart is bleeding. Learnt about them this morning on TikTok. Rest easy champ. Praying for you Rachael,” remarked Zari.
Otuoma may have lived in agonizing pain the past four years, but one thing we’re sure about is that he exited life a proud man because he had a fiercely loyal wife who respected and honoured him even during his lowest moments till his last breath — the kind of perseverance that is rarely seen in the modern-day-marriages.
