Sheria House is rare enclave of law and order, and apparently love is in the air!

Assistant Registrar of Marriages and senior state counsel Office of Attorney General Loyce Bett demonstrates the online registration of marriage service at Sheria House, Nairobi. [File, Standard]

I took a walk in the city this week, a rarity, I must admit, and even rarer, using Parliament Road. There is something that induces anxiety on that road, since it was declared a den of thieves. I passed there because I hoped to catch a glimpse of the female MPs who twangad each other out in the open earlier in the week.

I stopped at a street corner to look. I was interrupted by a saleswoman whose name I forgot, but who was selling ka-buroti. Do you think people will be looking to buy land in the streets, I asked, with clearly irritated, but I checked myself just in time when I remembered former Attorney General Justin Muturi said he had been asked to sign a $1 billion (Sh129 billion) deal in a Dubai lobby. That's what it means for efficient government.

My next destination was Sheria House, where I wanted to espy if the new Attorney General was at work. And sure enough, there she was, Dorcas Oduor herself showing guests around! "Habari zenu!" she breezed. I didn't know she has a stoop, but look who is talking, I crumpled decades ago! And this roundabout narrative reveals my aged and ageing brain that doesn't think clearly.

I was at Sheria House to witness the solemn union of my high-school chum Mark, and Eve, his love of 30 years. Perhaps because I was imbued with such wonderful spirit of love, I couldn't help but notice how efficient the marriage office runs.

The outdoor waiting area is spacious and airy; the seats are clean and so is the chamber inside. The orderlies were courteous and helpful, as were the officials who verified our credentials and ushered us to yet another comfortable waiting room.

The final stage was the taking of the vows which, I must confess, was presided by such a comely woman that, if her guided reading of the vows did not include a warning for those who are married not to take other spouses, I'd have asked have for her hand on the spot!

Then came the photos, in yet another handsome room. Evidently, Sheria House receives a bouquet for its order, decorum and efficiency.