Mary Biketi is often recognized as the stylish and confident fourth wife of former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya. However, beyond the elegance and public attention lies a deeply resilient woman who has faced loss, judgment, and setbacks—yet emerged stronger and more independent.
Raised in Trans-Nzoia County, Mary is the firstborn in a family of five siblings. She was brought up in a Christian household, where values of discipline and faith were instilled early on. Her upbringing, while grounded, did not mirror the polygamous setup she would later be part of—despite her grandfather having two wives. According to her, those family dynamics didn’t directly shape her own perspective on marriage.
She attended Milimani Primary School and later joined Nzoia Girls High School. In 2012, with dreams of a better life, she moved to Nairobi to pursue new opportunities.
Mary’s path would dramatically change after an unexpected encounter with Wycliffe Oparanya on a flight from Wilson Airport to Kisumu. A second meeting in Nairobi at Tamarind Hotel sparked a connection that would eventually blossom into a long-term relationship. Despite a notable age gap—Oparanya being in his late sixties—Mary’s family offered their full support. The relationship was later formalized when he visited her family.
Mary approaches her role as a fourth wife with both self-assurance and grace. She maintains that she finds peace in the relationship because she feels secure, loved, and provided for. While some might find polygamy stressful, she says it’s not an issue for her. Confidently, she notes that she considers herself the last wife and is unbothered by outside opinions, stating that she values loyalty and mutual respect above public perception.
While she supports the idea of coexisting peacefully with her co-wives, she is candid about maintaining boundaries—especially with outsiders who may seek to interfere. She admits to being protective, occasionally checking her partner’s phone due to persistent women who send suggestive messages.
One of the most painful chapters in her journey was losing a pregnancy at five months. This tragic moment occurred shortly after private photos of her and Oparanya were leaked online and went viral. The emotional toll from the public attention and stress contributed to the miscarriage. She later shared that she is a mother to a seven-year-old son, who remains her greatest source of strength and purpose.
Mary is not just a partner to a public figure—she has carved her own identity in the world of business. Her early career included stints with companies like Safaricom and the Ministry of Education. Though she once ran a women’s clothing store, she had to close it when it became unsustainable. Refusing to be discouraged, she pivoted to real estate—a move that transformed her financial path.
Today, she owns several fully furnished apartments in high-end Nairobi neighborhoods such as Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Lavington. She is also involved in the supplies business and manages a foundation that supports underprivileged groups.
Mary’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and purpose. She advocates for women to pursue their own paths, emphasizing that success and fulfillment should not rely on a partner. In her words, women should aim to be financially stable, self-aware, and dignified. “If you want to meet your dream man, work hard,” she advises. “Be at the level where you can meet the kind of person you want. Have your own money. Have your own class. Be decent.”
