Interior CS Fred Matiang’i on Saturday, December 5 shed his cloak of power as the most powerful Cabinet Secretary and assumed the role of a community elder at the home of his predecessor the late Joseph Nkaissery.
Kenyans.co.ke was reliably informed that Nkaissery’s son Kenneth Mumeita had singled out Wangechi Migwi to be his bride.
A source present at the event explained that the ceremony is one of the marriage procedures in both the Maasai and Kikuyu communities where the groom and bride hail from respectively.
The Maasai call it Erikunoto E-siankiki while in Kikuyu culture, it is referred to as Itara where the groom takes his soon-to-be wife on a tour of his home.
The two love birds were dressed in traditional regalia as Kenneth donned a red checked Maasai shuka and Wangeci stood out with a white dress laced with jewellery made by members of the community.
Matiang’i was dressed in a red striped short-sleeved shirt and occasionally smiled for the cameras - something the no-nonsense CS does in public.
"Congratulations weds-to-be Kenneth Nkaisserry and Wangeci Migwi, am honoured to join you on your Erikunoto E-siankiki and Itara Ceremony. As you begin this new chapter in life may the Lord hold you by His mighty hand, shine His light on your path and may you be a testament of His grace," Matiang'i stated.
The CS was accompanied by Public Works PS Gordon Kihalangwa, Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho, Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka among other dignitaries.
They took part in feasting nyama choma which the Maasai community is famed for.
Many Kenyans still hold traditional marriage ceremonies dear despite the advent of elegant and expensive all-white church weddings.
In November, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and her Samburu counterpart Steve Lelegwe both conducted traditional weddings.
Matiang’i was a close friend of the late CS and shared discussions about family matters, which could be the reason he was chosen for the noble role at the ceremony.
During Nkaissery’s funeral, Matiang’i vowed to stand with the family to the extent humanly possible.
“Nkaissery had various conversations with us on a number of issues, even on family matters. My colleagues have asked me to confirm here in the presence of everyone we will pursue those conversations to their logical conclusions,” Matiang’i had promised.
