Couple ties the knot after 67 years of romance

Nonagenarian love birds Jackson Muriuki and Agnes Njeri outside PCEA Church in Gachika after exchanging their vows. [Photo: Allan Mungai/ Standard]

A man and woman who have waited for 67 years finally solemnised their marriage in front of family and friends at PCEA Church in Gachika, Nyeri County.

The groom, Jackson Muriuki, and his wife, Agnes Njeri, exchanged their vows on Saturday.

Mr Muriuki, 94, walked down the aisle on crutches and arm in arm with his bride, Agnes, 91, who also used a walking stick.

The couple has been living together as man and wife since 1954 and had 13 children but never formally exchanged vows.

For the ceremony Muriuki wore a blue suit and red neck tie while Agnes had a white dress with a matching hat and veil.

She was clutching a bouquet of flowers.

Their union was solemnised by Reverend Ignatius Gitonga.

Customary ceremony

Although the couple had already been married in a customary ceremony, Saturday's was a complete ceremony, with Muriuki and Agnes exchanging rings in front of the multitude gathered at the church.

Muriuki, who was flanked by his best man, Zacharia Githinji, described the ceremony as the best experience of his life and thanked God.

His wife said she was happy.

“Furaha, furaha, furaha, furaha tele (happiness, happiness, more happiness),” she said, beaming.

Closer to God

“It is such a joy to experience something that I haven’t before and we did this so that we can be closer to God,” said Muriuki said.

 “They have been together for 67 years, so this ceremony today is a culmination of their love. We have never seen them quarrel or fight," their daughter, Jennifer Muriuki, said.