Tying the knot Samburu style

Bride: Mary Lepartobiko

Groom: Daniel Lesirayon

Venue: Archer’s Post Samburu East

No of guests: 600

Budget: Sh520,000

Date: April 20, 2013

INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS: BRUNO MUTUNGA

 Describe the first time you met.

Daniel:  I first met Mary addressing a forum at a village outside Archers Post town. I was drawn to her simplicity and beauty, I decided to get her contacts.

 What struck you about her to the point of proposing?

Daniel: She was bold and charming from the word go. I knew she would make a good wife. She makes a great companion and confidant. That is what I wanted in a wife.

 How long did you date before getting married?

Mary: One year and seven months.

When and how did he propose?

Mary: When he first approached me, Daniel knew he had gotten a wife and not a girlfriend. That is why within a month, he made his intentions clear to me that he wanted me to be his wife. I was surprised but I knew he was dead serious.

Why did you choose to have two weddings, a traditional ceremony and a church wedding?

Daniel: We did the church wedding because we are both staunch Catholics and wanted the blessings of God.  We also did a traditional wedding as a show of respect to the Samburu culture, which we value and both our parents still practice.

What major challenges did you encounter during planning?

Mary: Organising two different weddings was a logistical nightmare. Just imagine having two weddings in a day. We had a traditional ceremony early in the morning, and a church one in the afternoon.  It was not easy but by the grace of God it was a success.

Tell us the highs and lows of the process that culminated into the wedding ceremony?

Daniel: There were some

traditional items to be used in the ceremony and are mandatory; they are to be sought and collected from distant places. Our friends and family helped us with that.

You also had two sets of best couples, why?

Mary: Yes we did. In the traditional one, Mr and Mrs Boniface Lesanjir did the onus, while for the church one; Mr and Mrs Daniel Letoiye were the main witnesses. Each of the two ceremonies had its special preparations.

 The groom and the best man were barefoot, how come?

Daniel: Samburu culture forbids the groom and his traditional best man from wearing shoes on the wedding day. They are also not supposed to carry any weapon. This is part of culture that is highly respected among the community.

 Tell us about your make-up, hair and accessories on that day...

Mary: Red soil (ikaria in Samburu) is a sign of beauty. That is why women adorn it on special occasions like weddings. Beads, beaded necklaces and bungles are also part of our jewellery.

Did you pay dowry and how were the negotiations?

Daniel:  Yes, dowry payment is important in the Samburu culture. A man is required to pay a certain number of cows and this varies from clan to clan.

Did you go for premarital counseling and what lessons did you learn?

Mary: Yes we did. We were

taught on love, family life and planning your time and finances.

What was the most memorable part of the ceremony?

Daniel: Slaughtering of the ‘mar