Kenyans are known for their extravagant spending when it comes to weddings.
However, political activist Boniface Mwangi on February 4 sparked a heated conversation after revealing that his close friend had wedded the love of his life, and that the cost of the entire ceremony was Ksh 47,000.
"My boy is now a husband. Costs; Rings: Ksh 17,000, marriage certificate at Sheria House Ksh 3,900, wardrobe -smart casual from their everyday clothes. Photographer Ksh 5,000 Lunch with 10 close friends Ksh 20,000. Total Ksh 47,000," the vocal activist shared on Twitter.
Boniface also shared a video in which he was riding a boda boda to Sheria House in Nairobi to witness his friend's wedding.
"Headed to a wedding at the AG's chamber. Mimi ndio witness and best man. My boy paid dowry, did a simple customary event and got parental blessings," he narrated.
"Getting married isn't about spending a lot of money. Do it your way," he went on to add.
His statement kickstarted a lively conversation regarding the peculiar habits of Kenyans when it came to weddings.
"This is good, at least people should change their perception that a wedding must be extravagant. You make other people happy, then you struggle paying loans alone. Sad that some end up committing suicide." Abdi Said tweeted.
"Beautiful! Congratulations to the couple. 2020 we are not joining those damn committees!" Cess Nyangi also shared on Twitter.
However, there were those that felt the Ksh 47,000 was still too high, and that it could be scaled down even further, if some of the items in the overall budget were discounted.
"Ksh 3,900 for a marriage certificate is thuggery. Does the government know marriage is a favour citizens do the society?" Kerr Owino posted on Twitter.
The general consensus following the wedding-on-a-budget post was that couples would be better off spending as little as possible on the actual ceremony, with many stating that the extra funds should be invested in the actual marriage.
However, there were those who differed with the notion of a cheap wedding, insisting that the day was meant for the bride and she was allowed to indulge in any expenses she deemed fit.
Here's the video of Boniface heading to the wedding:
