On a remarkable Sunday at the Tambaya PCEA Church in Mukurweini, a celebration of timeless love unfolded as Ibrahim Mbogo, 95, and Tabitha Wangui Mbogo, 90, exchanged vows in a touching white wedding ceremony. Their union, marking 64 years since they first met, serves as a heartwarming testament to enduring love and commitment.
The couple, who first crossed paths in the 1960s, have lived a life intertwined with love and devotion. Although their marriage was traditionally formalized under Kikuyu customary law, they chose to celebrate their union with a white wedding to honor both their traditional roots and their Christian faith. The decision to hold a church wedding came from their desire to combine their cultural heritage with their spiritual beliefs.
In an interview outside the church, Ibrahim Mbogo reminisced about their journey. “We met and fell in love in 1960, do you hear?” he said, his voice filled with nostalgia and joy. “We deliberated together and decided it would be great if we did a white wedding. We know in our Gikuyu custom that we are legally married, but since we are also Christians, we decided to do a church wedding.”
Their story is not just a narrative of a lifelong romance but also a reflection of their values and the principles they believe have contributed to their long-lasting union. Tabitha Wangui shared her insights on maintaining a healthy marriage, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and forgiveness. “Women, you must respect your husbands. If you do that, then you will live as we have,” Wangui advised. “Don’t do any wrong, and when you do, just apologize and seek forgiveness.”
The wedding was graced by Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, who praised the couple for their enduring commitment to each other. “There is no greater gift than the gift of family,” Kaguchia remarked. “This family unit is what makes a nation thrive. I wish we could all emulate what this couple has shown us today—that it is beautiful to grow old together.”
As the couple took their vows, their love was palpable, radiating through their smiles and the affectionate glances they shared. The ceremony was not only a celebration of their marriage but also a powerful message about the value of nurturing a relationship over decades. Their story stands as a beacon of hope and an inspiration for younger generations to cherish and sustain their relationships through respect, love, and unwavering commitment.
The significance of their wedding extends beyond personal joy; it underscores the timeless nature of true love and the deep connections that can be cultivated over a lifetime. Ibrahim and Tabitha’s journey illustrates that love is not confined by age but is a dynamic force that grows stronger with time.
In a world where fleeting relationships are often highlighted, their enduring bond offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to truly commit to another person. Their story resonates with a universal truth—that love, when nurtured and cherished, has the power to transcend time and adversity.
As they celebrate this momentous occasion, Ibrahim and Tabitha Mbogo remind us all of the beauty in growing old together and the profound satisfaction that comes from a life lived in harmony and respect. Their wedding, marked by both tradition and modernity, serves as a beautiful tribute to the enduring power of love and the joy of celebrating it with those who matter most.
