After dating for 12 years, couple finally marries

Amani Gambo and his wife Ellen met in 2010. [Marion Kithi, Standard]

Thirty-one-year-old Amani Gambo, who hails from Chonyi in Kilifi County, started dating his 28-year-old wife, Ellen Gambo, officially in 2012.

Before that, they had known each other during their late-teenage days. Ellen was 16 years old at the time, while Amani was 19 years old.

Amani says he is hoping to have many children with Ellen. [Marion Kithi, Standard]

"I was young, but I knew Ellen was the one," he added.

The two kept in touch through their respective parents' and siblings' phones.

"I was in love, she was in love, but we had to wait until we were of age to inform our relatives about the relationship," said Amani.

Ellen said she wasn't sure that the relationship would proceed all the way to marriage.

"Amani and I grew up in different neighbourhoods, attended different schools, and led different lives. I was skeptical that our paths would cross after that chance meeting at my primary school in 2010," she said.

"He, however, purposed to keep in touch, including during college days," added Ellen.

Amani is a credit officer while Ellen is a businesswoman. [Marion Kithi, Standard]

The 28-year-old said her husband is her Number One protector, who "loves me unconditionally".

"It was worth it falling in love with him," she said.

On his part, Amani said he looks forward to having "many children" with Ellen.