In a poignant ceremony that captured the hearts of residents, a middle-aged woman fulfilled her promise to love and honour her late life partner, Martin Gitare, by marrying him posthumously just a week after his passing.
The extraordinary event, which saw the blending of wedding vows and funeral rites, took place on Saturday, April 6, at Our Lady Consolata Church in Lukenya, Kirinyaga County.
Martin Gitare, a beloved figure in his community, passed away at the age of 60 following a brief illness on March 16.
His untimely demise occurred just three weeks before his scheduled wedding to Beatrice Muthomi, his devoted fiancée.
The decision to merge the wedding and burial ceremonies was made by Martin's family, led by his sister Pear Wambui, as a heartfelt tribute to honour his memory and fulfil his cherished wishes.
"We are celebrating two occasions, burying him and at the same time celebrating his marriage," remarked Wambui, underscoring the significance of the day.
Father Sammy Njoroge, presiding over the ceremony from Kutus Catholic Parish, acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the event, stating, "This is my first such occasion since I became a priest, and we have done exactly what he wanted."
The merging of joyous celebration with solemn remembrance was a testament to the profound impact Martin had on those around him.
The day's proceedings began with a symbolic gesture as Beatrice Muthomi tenderly placed a wedding ring on Martin's finger at the mortuary, a poignant moment of connection between the living and the departed.
The congregation then gathered at Our Lady Consolata Church for a ceremony marked by song, dance, and the exchange of vows.
Beatrice, adorned in her wedding gown, stood at the altar alongside Martin's coffin, expressing both joy and sorrow as she fulfilled their long-awaited promise of marriage.
"We had planned our wedding, but God took him before our wedding," Beatrice revealed, her voice resonating with a mixture of emotions.
The culmination of the ceremony saw Beatrice's grandson stepping in to symbolically place a wedding ring on her finger, signifying the enduring bond between her and Martin.
"Today we are celebrating two occasions for my late brother because he had already planned his wedding, but unfortunately, he died before the wedding day," shared Daniel Githaka, Martin's brother, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of the day.
For Beatrice, the act of exchanging vows with her beloved Martin, even in death, was a poignant affirmation of their enduring love.
"My grandson Felix Gitari was the one who put the wedding ring on me to represent his grandfather as my husband. I'm happy and, at the same time, sad," she confessed, her words echoing the profound depth of her emotions.
Following the "wedding" ceremony, Beatrice bid farewell to her late husband, changing her attire before proceeding to the burial of Martin's remains in Gichugu, where he was laid to rest amidst the embrace of family and friends.
