Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-06 17:13:11
In a touching ceremony that moved the community, a middle-aged woman kept her promise to love and honor her late life partner, Martin Gitare, by marrying him posthumously just one week after his passing. The unusual event, combining wedding vows with funeral rites, took place on Saturday, April 6, at Our Lady Consolata Church in Lukenya, Kirinyaga County.
Martin Gitare, a well-loved figure in his community, passed away at the age of 60 after a short illness on March 16. His unexpected death occurred just three weeks before his planned wedding to Beatrice Muthomi, his devoted fiancée. The decision to combine the wedding and burial ceremonies was made by Martin’s family, led by his sister Pear Wambui, as a sincere tribute to honor his memory and fulfill his cherished wishes.
“We are celebrating two occasions, burying him and at the same time celebrating his marriage,” stated Wambui, highlighting the significance of the day. Father Sammy Njoroge, leading the ceremony from Kutus Catholic Parish, acknowledged the uniqueness of the event, mentioning, “This is my first such occasion since I became a priest, and we have done exactly what he wanted.”
The merging of joyous celebration with solemn remembrance reflected the profound impact Martin had on those around him. The day commenced with a symbolic moment as Beatrice Muthomi gently placed a wedding ring on Martin’s finger at the mortuary, creating a poignant connection between the living and the departed. The congregation then congregated at Our Lady Consolata Church for a ceremony filled with song, dance, and the exchange of vows.
Beatrice, dressed in her wedding gown, stood beside Martin’s coffin at the altar, expressing both happiness and sadness as she fulfilled their long-awaited promise of marriage. “We had planned our wedding, but God took him before our wedding,” revealed Beatrice, her voice reflecting a mix of emotions. The conclusion of the ceremony saw Beatrice’s grandson symbolically placing a wedding ring on her finger, symbolizing the enduring bond between her and Martin.
“Today we are celebrating two occasions for my late brother because he had already planned his wedding, but unfortunately, he died before the wedding day,” shared Daniel Githaka, Martin’s brother, encapsulating the sentimental essence of the day. For Beatrice, exchanging vows with her beloved Martin, even in death, was a touching affirmation of their enduring love.
“My grandson Felix Gitari was the one who put the wedding ring on me to represent his grandfather as my husband. I’m happy and, at the same time, sad,” confessed Beatrice, her words resonating with the depth of her emotions. After the “wedding” ceremony, Beatrice bid farewell to her late husband, changed her attire, and proceeded to bury Martin’s remains in Gichugu, where he was laid to rest among family and friends.
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