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The bond between late Kenyan footballer Ezekiel Otuoma and his wife Rachael Otuoma was built on love, perseverance, and commitment, despite the hurdles they faced.
The couple’s journey, which began in December 2013, has now become a story of resilience, particularly as Rachael now navigates life without her late husband, who passed away in December 2024.
Chance meeting & blossoming love
Ezekiel and Rachael’s love story started at a mutual friend’s birthday party in December 2013.
While Ezekiel was instantly taken by Rachael’s beauty, Rachael did not immediately warm to him, largely due to his career as a footballer.
READ: How Rachael Otuoma reacted to demands from late hubby's alleged baby mama
She admitted that women often hesitate to date footballers, perceiving them as having multiple relationships.
I didn’t think much of him when I first met him. You know women, they tend not to trust footballers; they think footballers have a lot of women.
Despite her initial reservations, Rachael eventually agreed to become Ezekiel’s girlfriend after much persuasion from him.
Their relationship blossomed over time, and after about a year and a half, Ezekiel popped the question.
READ: Ezekiel Otuoma's wife considers leaving the ex-footballer over in-laws' threats
Church wedding & life together
Ezekiel surprised Rachael one day at work, asking her to marry him. The couple tied the knot in May 2015, marking the beginning of their marital bliss.
Despite the challenges they faced—such as periods of separation due to Ezekiel’s football career—the couple remained strong and committed to one another.
During these difficult times, Rachael often praised her late husband for his loving gestures and affection.
She recalls that when he had money, Ezekiel would pamper her, taking her out on dates to high-end places and doing anything to make her happy.
READ: Ezekiel Otuoma: Cause of death, career in football & praises for Rachel Otuoma
Struggles with pregnancy
Though the couple’s marriage was filled with love, they faced a heartbreaking challenge in their quest to have children.
Rachael and Ezekiel suffered two miscarriages, a painful experience that left a void in their hearts. In a past interview with Oga Obinna, Rachael admitted that not having children was something that worried.
We had tried to get pregnant while he was still healthy, but unfortunately, we lost two pregnancies.
Despite the grief of losing two pregnancies, Rachael remained hopeful that they would one day become parents.
However, the couple’s hopes were dashed as Ezekiel’s health declined, and the dream of having a child together became more uncertain.
“Sometimes I feel like if things had been different, at least the child of Otuoma would have been here—a fruit of our love,” she shared.
Time of care & support
When Ezekiel’s health deteriorated, he became confined to a wheelchair and unable to do anything for himself.
However, Rachael remained by his side, providing him with the care and support he needed. The love and care she gave her husband during his illness was evident, and it is clear that their bond was unbreakable.
Rachael revealed how Ezekiel had always supported her during tough times, even when people did not fully understand the struggles they faced in their marriage.
A love that will never fade
Ezekiel had once said in an interview that only death could separate him from Rachael. Tragically, that is what happened.
For Rachael, not even death could diminish her love for her late husband. When she announced Ezekiel’s passing in December 2024, she said that he had taken a part of her with him and that she would continue to love him forever.
Ezekiel Otuoma will be laid to rest on January 11, 2025, in his hometown of Ramula, Gem in Siaya County.
The family held a memorial service on January 9, which was attended by various TikTokers, friends, and relatives who came to celebrate his life.
Ezekiel’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew him, and Rachael’s love for him will continue to guide her as she moves forward in life.