President Uhuru Kenyatta's mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, on Saturday, November 2, graced a lavish governor's wedding alongside some notable Kenyan leaders.
Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia's renewed his vows in a traditional wedding at his wife Ann Kimemia's Nyeri County family home for his uthoni.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kimemia confirmed that Mama Ngina attended the event alongside other leaders including Governors Ann Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia) and Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru), and Hon. Peter Ndambiri (Deputy Governor, Kirinyaga), Nyandarua Senator Hon. Mwangi Githiomi and members of Nyandarua's County Executive Committee.
In an elaborate ceremony lasting six hours, Governor Kimemia and the First Lady were declared husband and wife before a multitude of family, friends and relatives drawn from the Central Region Economic Bloc and beyond.
In an educational session that often left the audience in stitches, elders of the Kikuyu community exhorted the first family to continue modelling compelling family values.
Led by Equity Bank and Mt. Kenya Foundation Chairman Mr. Peter Munga, leaders who addressed the gathering hailed the First couple for its decision, noting that it is a significant contribution to the region's cultural heritage.
"There's also little doubt that Governor Kimemia is headed for a brighter future on the national scene beyond his current station," said Mr. Munga, recalling the Governor's stellar contributions to national development under both retired President Mwai Kibaki and His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta.
John Mwaura, an elder from the former Rift Valley Province, recalled how the county head had reached out to his family and other citizens in the aftermath of the 2007/8 post-election violence.
"We shall never forget your hand of friendship, care and support in our hour of need," he said.
Mau Mau veterans, led by General Kiboko, challenged other governors from the region to ape Governor Kimemia's model of caring for the ageing and often sickly freedom fighters.
In his remarks, Governor Kimemia urged the region's residents to continue focusing on fast-tracking development under their devolved governments.
"That's our shared concern right now. As your leaders, I assure you that we are keen to ensure devolution works for each one of you," he said.
Below are more photos of the wedding ceremony:
