When footballer Ezekiel Otuoma first set eyes on Rachael at a friend’s birthday party in December 2013, he knew she was special. For Rachael, though, it wasn’t love at first sight.
“I didn’t think much of him when we first met. You know how women can be—footballers are hard to trust because of their reputation,” she said with a smile.
But Ezekiel wasn’t one to give up easily. His persistence paid off, and after a year and a half of dating, he proposed in a grand gesture, surprising Rachael at her workplace in front of her colleagues.
A Wedding and Life Together
The couple tied the knot in May 2015, starting a journey filled with love and shared dreams.
At the time, Ezekiel played for a club in Nairobi, while Rachael worked in Kisumu. The distance was challenging, but they stayed connected through long phone calls, frequent messages, and visits whenever Ezekiel had breaks from his demanding football schedule.
“When he had money, he would spoil me, taking me to nice places. He always wanted me to feel special,” Rachael recalled fondly.
Their relationship grew even stronger when Ezekiel joined AFC Leopards, allowing them to finally live together.
Two Miscarriages
Rachael and Ezekiel dreamed of building a family, but life threw them painful challenges. They experienced the heartbreak of two miscarriages.
“We tried to get pregnant, but we lost two pregnancies. It was devastating,” Rachael said.
Even in their grief, they clung to the hope that one day, they would have children.
A Shocking Diagnosis
But in 2020, their world was turned upside down.
Ezekiel started experiencing strange symptoms—flu-like signs, slurred speech, and weakness.
Initially, they tried home remedies, but when his condition worsened, they sought medical help.
Doctors eventually diagnosed him with motor neurone disease (MND), a rare and incurable condition that causes progressive muscle weakness.
The couple even traveled to India to seek a second opinion. But, sadly, the diagnosis was confirmed.
Desperate for answers, the family sought help from pastors.
And even traveled to Kampala, but nothing changed.
“We had to sit down as a family and accept the reality of his illness,” Rachael said.
Caring Through the Storm
As Ezekiel’s health deteriorated, Rachael became his full-time caregiver. She fed him, bathed him, and stayed by his side as he lost the ability to speak and move.
“My life has never been the same since he got sick. I’m never at peace, but I’ll always be there for him,” she said.
Some friends urged her to leave, saying the burden was too much, but Rachael never wavered.
“He treated me so well when he was healthy. I couldn’t imagine abandoning him when he needed me most,” she explained.
Saying Goodbye
Ezekiel passed away in December 2024, leaving Rachael devastated. “He took a part of me with him,” she said.
He will be laid to rest on January 11, 2025, in his hometown of Ramula, Gem in Siaya County. A memorial service was held on January 9, where friends, family, and fans celebrated his life and legacy.
Ezekiel once said, “Only death can separate us.” For Rachael, even death cannot erase the love they shared.
Their story is a testament to unwavering love and resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
By Vivian K.