Residents of Rukenya village in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, were witness to an extraordinary event on Saturday, April 6. A burial and a ‘wedding’ were combined into one ceremony, a spectacle that left many astonished.
The congregation gathered at Our Lady Consolata Rukenya Church to partake in this unusual affair. The occasion marked the union of Martin Gitari, aged 60, with his fiancée, albeit in an unconventional posthumous manner.
What unfolded was the fulfillment of a poignant wish. Martin Gitari had passed away three weeks prior, succumbing to a brief illness on Wednesday, March 16. Tragically, his demise occurred just as preparations were underway for his marriage to Beatrice Muthoni, scheduled for Saturday, April 6 at the same church.
In a gesture of honoring Gitari’s memory and his unfulfilled dream, both families collectively decided to merge the wedding with the burial rites. Pear Wambui, the deceased’s sister, explained that this combined ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to their beloved brother.
The wedding-burial event, officiated by Kutus Catholic Parish Priest Sammy Njoroge, commenced with Beatrice symbolically ‘exchanging vows’ with Martin at Kibugi Funeral Home. She tenderly placed a ring on his finger, signifying their union.
Subsequently, the procession moved to the church, where a more elaborate ceremony unfolded. Amidst singing, dancing, and the cutting of a wedding cake, the community celebrated the union of Martin and Beatrice, albeit in spirit.
Father Njoroge, reflecting on the unique event, expressed that it was his first encounter with such a scenario. However, he emphasized that they had honored Martin’s wishes faithfully.
Speaking after the emotional ‘wedding,’ Beatrice expressed a blend of emotions. She conveyed her happiness at fulfilling her late husband’s desire to be buried with his wedding ring, yet she couldn’t shake off the sadness of his absence. She recounted how their grandson, Felix Gitari, had symbolically placed the ring on her finger, representing Martin as her husband.
In the end, amidst the mingling of joy and sorrow, the community bid farewell to Martin Gitari, honoring his memory in a truly extraordinary way.
