For years, she carried a pain few could understand. Every positive pregnancy test brought hope, and every loss shattered her dreams all over again. Today, however, her story has become one of faith, perseverance, and unexpected joy.
The woman at the center of a nationally discussed testimony has finally broken her silence.
Matilda Nekesa Makhala, a trained journalist from Bungoma County, has publicly confirmed that she is the woman recently mentioned by Rachel Ruto during the 2026 National Prayer Breakfast Women’s Convocation.
The First Lady had narrated the story of a woman who struggled with infertility and later gave birth to twin girls after receiving prayers years earlier. The account sparked intense debate across social media, with some Kenyans celebrating it as a powerful testimony of faith while others questioned its authenticity.
Determined to clear the air, Nekesa decided to tell her story herself.
Speaking in an emotional interview, she revealed that her journey to motherhood was filled with unimaginable heartbreak. During her first marriage, she conceived several times, only to lose every pregnancy.
“I got married and conceived several times, but sadly all my pregnancies ended in loss. The pain was overwhelming. It affected every aspect of my life and eventually contributed to the collapse of my marriage,” she recalled.
The repeated losses left her devastated. While many around her moved forward with their lives, she found herself battling grief, disappointment, and uncertainty about whether she would ever become a mother.
Her life, however, took an unexpected turn in 2012.
Shortly after the general elections, Nekesa attended a women’s empowerment meeting in Bungoma where Rachel Ruto had been invited as the guest speaker. After addressing the gathering, the First Lady reportedly invited women facing challenges in conceiving to come forward for prayer.
Nekesa remembers that moment vividly.
“When she called women who were struggling to have children, I immediately walked to the front. I was the only woman who responded to that specific prayer call,” she said.
At the time, she had no idea that the brief encounter would remain in her memory for years.
Life continued, and in 2017 she remarried. Then came the moment she had prayed for through years of tears and disappointment.
She conceived again.
This time, the pregnancy was successful.
More incredibly, she gave birth to healthy twin girls.
“God blessed me with twin daughters,” she said with a smile, describing the birth as the greatest miracle of her life and the fulfillment of a dream she had almost abandoned.
The story might have remained private had fate not intervened once again.
Earlier this year during the Easter season, Nekesa unexpectedly met the First Family while travelling through Bungoma. Accompanied by her twin daughters, she approached Rachel Ruto to express her gratitude.
“I knelt down and thanked her. At first she did not remember me, but when I explained who I was, she became very happy and surprised,” Nekesa recounted.
When Rachel Ruto later shared the testimony at the National Prayer Breakfast, the story quickly attracted nationwide attention. As critics questioned whether the account was genuine, Nekesa felt compelled to speak publicly.
“I was not paid by anyone. I came forward because many people were saying the story was made up. I wanted Kenyans to know that I am the woman she was talking about,” she stated firmly.
Beyond her own experience, Nekesa’s compassion has touched many lives. She revealed that she has fostered and cared for more than 30 vulnerable children over the years, dedicating herself to helping those in need despite her own struggles.
Today, she hopes to reconnect with Rachel Ruto and formally thank her for the prayers offered years ago.
“I simply want to appreciate her as a parent and have her bless my daughters,” she said.
Her remarkable journey from repeated pregnancy losses, a broken marriage, and years of uncertainty to becoming the proud mother of twin girls has inspired many Kenyans. For supporters, her story serves as a reminder that hope can survive even the darkest seasons and that sometimes life’s greatest blessings arrive when they seem least possible.
As her testimony continues to spark conversations across the country, many Kenyans are reflecting on the power of resilience, faith, and the courage to keep believing even when every door appears closed.
