In a heartwarming ceremony, 95-year-old Ibrahim Mbogo and his 90-year-old partner, Tabitha Wangui Mbogo, finally tied the knot in a white wedding after courting for an incredible 64 years. The couple’s marriage took place at the Tambaya PCEA Church in Mukurweini, Kenya, on Sunday, marking a joyous and long-anticipated occasion.
The couple explained that their decision to have a white wedding was deeply rooted in their desire to symbolize the enduring love and unwavering commitment they have shared for over six decades. Despite already being legally married under Kikuyu customary law since the 1960s, they felt it was important to honor their Christian faith by having a church wedding.
“We met and fell in love in 1960,” Mr. Mbogo recalled during an interview outside the church. “We decided together that it would be wonderful to have a white wedding. We are legally married under Gikuyu custom, but as Christians, we wanted to do a church wedding to complete our union in a way that aligns with our faith.”
Mr. Mbogo also offered valuable advice on the secret to a long-lasting and harmonious marriage. “Women, you must respect your husbands. If you do that, you’ll enjoy a marriage as long and peaceful as ours,” he said. “When conflicts arise, don’t hesitate to apologize and seek forgiveness.”
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The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and well-wishers, including Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia. In his speech, the MP encouraged the community to learn from the couple’s example, emphasizing the beauty of growing old together. “This couple shows us that enduring love and commitment are truly worth celebrating. There’s no greater gift than the gift of family,” Kaguchia said. “Strong family units are the foundation upon which a thriving nation is built.”
This touching story is reminiscent of a similar event in July when a Nigerian couple from Kano, a city often dubbed the “divorce capital” of Nigeria, celebrated 50 years of marriage. Mahmud Kabir Yakasai and Rabiatu Tahir attributed their lasting union to mutual respect and selflessness. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Yakasai, aged 76, highlighted his wife’s generous nature, while Tahir credited her husband’s patience and calmness during challenging times as key to their success.
The celebration of these remarkable couples serves as a reminder that love, respect, and perseverance can truly stand the test of time, inspiring others to cherish the bonds of marriage and family.
