President William Ruto, on Saturday, November 29, took some time off his busy schedule to attend a lavish wedding of Mohammed Noordin Mohamed Y. Haji, son of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji.
In photos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the president was all smiles in a jovial ceremony held in Msalani town, Ijara Constituency, in Garissa County.
The all-white affair, widely celebrated as a Nikkah, is considered sacred in Islamic culture, as it formalises the union between a man and woman under Sharia Law.
It is essentially both a spiritual and civil arrangement conducted by mutual consent and validated by witnesses.
Since it is a special and solemn occasion, the bride, identified as Jamila Mohamed, was not paraded publicly during the event in line with tradition.
The white attire that was the norm with nearly all guests at the wedding was symbolic, as it stands for purity, peace and spiritual devotion in Islamic weddings.
President Ruto, despite arguably being the highest dignitary gracing the occasion, also adhered to the dress code alongside new ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, who was also in attendance.
Among the dignitaries present was also Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, who flew into the country specifically to attend the celebration and honour the Haji family.
Ruto's arrival at the wedding came shortly after concluding a development tour in Garissa County, where he launched the 376-unit Masalani Affordable Housing Project in Ijara constituency.
Ruto said during the launch that the initiative aimed at providing dignified and affordable homes for local residents.
The president also anticipates the project will stimulate the economy by creating employment opportunities and affordable homes for local residents.
Ruto also inaugurated Yusuf Haji Girls' Secondary school, handing the facility a new school bus while also laying the foundation for Phase II of the Institution's development.
