57 couples tie the knot in mass wedding

57 couples wed in Mbeere South, Embu County. [Joseph Muchiri/Standard]

Some 57 couples tied the knot in a colourful mass wedding at Karaba Wango Catholic Church in Mbeere South, Embu County on Sunday.

Diocese of Embu Bishop Rev Paul Kariuki celebrated mass and led in uniting the 57 couples, many who had already been living together as man and wife.

The couples seized the opportunity of a mass wedding as it was cheaper compared to wedding on their own.

They were mainly elderly, some having up to six fully grown children while the youngest were past 30 years. Hundreds of residents, including Embu Deputy Governor David Kariuki, turned up to witness the rare ceremony.

Paul Mutua, 62, and his wife Alice, 56, were among the lovebirds who exchanged vows in church after co-habiting as man and wife for the last 40 years.

Surrounded by their children and grandchildren, the couple said the mass wedding prompted them to say I do.

“I would advise a couple planning to marry to tie the knot in church. The marriage is blessed. I wish we took that route when we married,” said Ms Mutua.

After exchanging vows, Joseph Mutisya and his wife Grace who had lived together for 18 years said the ceremony had rejuvenated their marriage and they looked forward to a future where they are more united.

Rev Kariuki said such mass weddings though rare serve a lesson of reminding people not to fear holding a church wedding thinking that it is expensive.

He said the ceremony showed the right way for young people to follow at a time when the nation is faced by activists agitating for the rights of gays and lesbians.

“The government should not allow same-sex relationships. A man should marry a woman as God instructs. If same sex unions are allowed, the future generation would be at risk,” he said.

However, an area resident Winfred Nyawira said a couple should cohabit for years before committing themselves to a church wedding.

Nyawira said she married in church but separated five years later due to differences with her husband when she insisted she would pursue a career in film-making. They together had a three-year-old child.