Kirinyaga man who died in hospital granted his final wish with combined burial and wedding ceremony

Martin Gitari, aged 60, succumbed to a brief illness on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, leaving behind his fiancée, Beatrice Muthoni. The couple had been eagerly anticipating their wedding day, scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, 2024, at the same church where the funeral was held.

Despite the sombre circumstances, Martin's family, led by his sister Pear Wambui, made the heartfelt decision to combine the burial and wedding ceremonies.

"We are celebrating two occasions, burying him and at the same time celebrating his marriage," Wambui explained, emphasizing the significance of honoring Martin's wishes.

Father Sammy Njoroge of Kutus Catholic Parish presided over the ceremony, marking his first time conducting such a unique event. 

"This is my first such occasion since I became a priest, and we have done exactly what he wanted," Father Njoroge remarked, highlighting the importance of fulfilling Martin's final wishes.

The series of events began with Beatrice Muthoni, Martin's grieving fiancée, placing a wedding ring on his deceased husband’s finger at the mortuary before proceeding to church for an elaborate ceremony that featured song, dance and cake cutting.

At the church, Beatrice celebrated the "wedding" and had a ring placed on her finger by her grandson.

 "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," expressed Daniel Githaka, Martin's brother.

For Beatrice Muthoni, placing the wedding ring on Martin's finger was a moment filled with both happiness and sadness.

 "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," she shared, encapsulating the complex emotions of the day.

After the “wedding” Beatrice who was all along dressed in a wedding gown changed her outfit, before proceeding for the interment of her late husband who was laid to rest in Gichugu.