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It's not everyday that we get to celebrate men, so when Father's Day 2023 rolled around on Sunday June 18, it was bound to be a special occasion.
The holiday is marked every 3rd Sunday of June to honour fathers and father figures for the crucial role they play in the family and society at large.
"Observance of Father's Day provides children an opportunity to express love and respect for their fathers. The sentiment goes a long way in strengthening father-child relationship and consequently in the emotional development of a child," fathersdaycelebration.com notes on the day's description.
As expected, social media was awash with warm messages and posts of Kenyans sending love to their dads. Celebrities and popular social media personalities were in on the action too.
Karen Nyamu and Samidoh Muchoki
Other than changing her Instagram profile picture to a photo of herself with her "baby daddy" and one of the children, Karen Nyamu took to the app to declare her appreciation and adoration for Samidoh Muchoki.
The nominated senator, who shares two children with the married Mugithi singer was not shy in sending out her Father's Day wishes.
Nyamu uploaded pictures and clips of Samidoh with the children, and accompanied it with a heartfelt caption.
"Happy father's day to a good father to all his children. Kind hearted and very generous to us. Today we celebrate you and want you to know we appreciate you and the happiness you bring," she wrote.
On the other hand, Samidoh's wife, Edday Nderitu shared an image of herself, along with a bible verse caption.
Edday wrote: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7. Happy fathers day."
There was no sign of Samidoh on Instagram stories posted by Edday, where she seemingly went out to dinner with the children and friends.
The Mugithi singer shared his own father's day message as he prepared for a performance in Utawala, Nairobi that evening.
"Keep going. No matter how stuck you feel, no matter how bad things might be, no matter how hopeless or depressed you may feel, no matter how many days you have spent wishing things were different," Samidoh wrote, adding, "that won't feel this way forever. Keep going. Happy Father's Day to all great Dads."
Amber Ray and Kennedy Rapudo
The popular social media personality Amber Ray and her beau, Kennedy Rapudo recently welcomed their first child together, expanding their beautiful, blended family.
Amber shared a sweet message with Rapudo on social media, which she posted alongside a heart-warming photo of the couple and their one month old daughter.
"You are my rock, my sounding board, the love of my life, but most importantly you are the greatest father to our children. You brighten my life, and you make our kids smile. You're the best thing that has ever happened to us," she wrote.
And he didn't waste any time reciprocating the love.
"You're such an amazing wife and mother, and I'm so proud to be your husband," Rapudo wrote.
Amber later documented the pair dressed sharply and heading out.
"Our first date since [the baby]," Amber Ray captioned a clip of the couple's reflection in an elevator, and shared on her Instagram stories.
Grace Ekirapa and Pascal Tokodi
Media personality Grace Ekirapa's message for her husband, actor Pascal Tokodi was warm, lengthy and pulled at the heartstrings.
The Tv host shared a photo of Pascal and their one year old daughter sharing a sweet moment, writing: "To the man who was born to be a father for real. Thank you for being present. For all the nights you have stayed awake with AJ so that I sleep. For the mornings you guys have gone to play just so that I get a few minutes of sleep. For the times you went down stairs in the middle of the night to find me something to eat because I got hungry from all the breastfeeding."
She added: "I love the bond you guys have and I am actually jealous sometimes because AJ calls 'baba' a million times a day and even when you are not home, you are all she asks for."
Taking to his Instagram account, Pascal appreciated his own dad, and then sent warm wishes to all the dads.
"Dad, I'm grateful for you, all the sacrifices you've made for us day after day , I'm still learning, I have a long way to go to fit in your shoes, but please know I'll always do my best, every time I fall down , I'll pick myself up," the actor wrote.
He added: "For the fathers who are still with us and those looking down from heaven, happy Father's Day, from me and little AJ."
Jackie Matubia
Actress Jackie Matubia shared a picture of herself with her children on the morning of Father's Day.
Her actions raised eyebrows as they came at a time when the rumour-mill had it that her relationship with long-term partner, Blessing Lung'aho may be on the rocks. The couple has, however not confirmed those reports.
On the photo, a beaming Jackie and her little girls glow, and she simply captions it "Happy Father's Day."
An international affair
Internationally, the sweet father's day messages flowed, with A-list stars; the royal family, renowned artistes and athletes also celebrating fatherhood.
US Weekly reports: "The Prince of Wales, 40, celebrated the occasion by releasing a new portrait with all three of his children. William and wife Princess Kate share sons Prince George, 9, and Prince Louis, 5, and daughter Princess Charlotte, 8. In the picture, taken by Millie Pilkington, the three little ones were all smiles as they sat beside their dad on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The foursome all adorably matched in blue."
The rapper Cardi B surprised her husband, rapper Offset, with a giant #1 dad sign. She also shared a sweet post on Instagram, where she uploaded a picture of Offset with the children.
"You are a king of a dad and your kids feel your love, guidance and security," Cardi B wrote.
