- In October 2020, Ashura Michael captured Kenya’s attention with her humorous “BBI marriage” proposal at the Bomas of Kenya
- Five years later, as the nation mourns the passing of Raila Odinga, Ashura reflects on the powerful unity shown by Kenya’s leaders and the full-circle nature of her joke
- Ashura spoke to TUKO.co.ke about how her sentiments now echo with emotion rather than laughter
In October 2020, Ashura Michael left Kenyans laughing at the Bomas of Kenya during the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) launch.
Source: UGC
Five years later, in the same month, the disability champion’s “BBI marriage” story has come full circle in the most emotional way.
Ashura offered to be Uhuru’s 2nd wife
It all began when the then University of Nairobi law student famously joked about marrying President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ashura indicated that ODM leader Raila Odinga would be her “father” to receive dowry while current president William Ruto would be the best man.
“Mr. President, my father Raila is here and he’s ready to collect dowry,” she teased amid laughter, promising that together with Uhuru they would “bring forth a BBI baby.”
Fast forward to 2025, the humor has turned to heartfelt reflection following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
How Ashura’s BBI marriage came to pass
Ashura shared an emotional message on social media, recalling her lighthearted BBI moment and expressing deep gratitude for the unity shown by Kenya’s top leaders.
“Even though my ‘BBI marriage’ didn’t happen as planned,” she wrote, “life has a beautiful way of bringing stories full circle.”
Ashura praised former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto for standing together during Odinga’s funeral, calling their unity “a gesture that moved the hearts of millions.”
She noted how Uhuru’s visit after the burial and Ruto’s honor during the Mashujaa Day celebrations symbolized love, loyalty, and national healing.
“It wasn’t just duty, it was love, loyalty, and the highest form of respect,” she said. “Thank you both for standing with Baba to the very end, for showing Kenya that true heroism is not in power, but in humanity.”
Raila’s demise broke Ashura
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Ashura admitted that she was shattered to the core when she received news that Raila had died while receiving treatment in India.
Her post, filled with tears of pride and gratitude, has struck a chord with many Kenyans who remember her bold humor during the BBI days.
What began as a playful political metaphor has now transformed into a moving reflection on unity, loss, and legacy.
“Rest in power, Baba, our lion, our liberator, our eternal Mashujaa,” she concluded. “Your spirit will forever guide this nation you so deeply loved.”
Source: UGC
Facts about Raila’s death
Ashura tried contesting as Nairobi senator
Two years after her Bomas speech, Ashura made news again when she joined the race for the Senator of Nairobi county.
In an earlier interview with TUKO.co.ke, the 32-year-old expressed optimism that she would make history as the country’s first deaf Senator since independence.
However, Ashura dropped her political ambitions before the elections and has not featured prominently in the scene again.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
