MACHAKOS, Kenya – Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has spoken out after a viral video showing her seemingly being ignored by Mama Ida Odinga sparked heated debate on social media.
The clip, which has been widely shared across X, TikTok, and Facebook, shows Governor Wavinya approaching and hugging Mama Ida during a visit to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
The Wiper Party delegation, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, had gone to console the Odinga family and deliver 100 head of cattle in honour of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In the video, Mama Ida appears to continue addressing guests as Wavinya leans in for a hug — a moment that quickly went viral, with Kenyans offering differing interpretations of what transpired.
Some netizens suggested that Ida “snubbed” Wavinya, while others defended her, saying the moment was misunderstood as she was in the middle of addressing the crowd.
However, sources close to the event clarified that the encounter was not deliberate and that the two later shared another warm moment when Governor Wavinya presented her condolence gift.
In her own post, Wavinya described Mama Ida as “a true mentor and source of inspiration” and encouraged her to remain strong in her moment of grief.
“Mama Dr. Ida Odinga, you remain a true mentor and source of inspiration to many of us. Your strength, wisdom, and compassion have always guided those who look up to you,” she wrote on her official page.
But after the video continued to trend under the hashtag #WavinyaKuhugChaVinya, the governor broke her silence with a lighthearted response.
“You Kenyans never cease to amaze me! I didn’t realize I could attract so much attention and support from Kenyans,” Wavinya said.“From ‘Yaliyo ndwele sipite’ to ‘Wavinya kuhug cha Vinya’ — because of you, our work in transformative governance and community-driven development is now being recognised across the African continent. I’m deeply grateful and always open to your feedback. Stay tuned!”
You Kenyans never cease to amaze me! I didn’t realize I could attract so much attention and support from Kenyans. Your constant involvement, engagement, and constructive criticism have played a huge role in shaping who I am today. From “Yaliyo ndwele sipite” to ” Wavinya kuhug
The viral moment, though awkward to some, has once again showcased Wavinya’s ability to turn public attention into a message of resilience and leadership — a trademark that continues to shape her growing political brand.