9 High-Profile Kenyan Weddings That Took Place In 2023

Ruto, who was clad in his traditional Kaunda suit, was all smiles as he shared light moments with friends, family and politicians who graced the event, where the two lovebirds could be seen embracing each other even as they took vows to seal their engagement.

Two Current Kenyan MPs Tie The Knot

Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, November 18 attended the traditional wedding of Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi and Muranga Woman Representative Betty Maina.

The event was held at the rural home of Maina in Murang'a County, with Gachagua being the lead negotiator. As such, the second-in-command donned the traditional brown attire shirt embroidered with tiny white shells as he spearheaded negotiations at the wedding, commonly referred to as ruracio.

Gachagua's style bore some similarities to some male MPs who came out in support of their colleagues during the negotiations.

President Ruto showed up for the event donning a dark grey fedora hat and carrying around a traditional cane, keeping his casual wear given that he was on a working tour of Kirinyaga County earlier.

Among lawmakers in attendance from across the political divide included Nominated MP Sabina Chege, Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and Langata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang'o).

The traditional ceremony carried huge significance given that this was the first time under current political circumstances that two sitting Kenyan MPs had tied the knot.

Wamumbi and Maina met in 2021 and started dating during the 2022 campaign period. Maina was a director at the Athi Water Development Agency before he resigned to contest for the seat.

Mudavadi's Daughter Weds Partner Nyaga Karanja

Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi's daughter, Maryanne Mudavadi on Saturday, October 28 officiated her union with her long-term partner, Nyaga Karanja, a lawyer.

The couple walked down the aisle and exchanged vows to seal their love at St. Austin Catholic Church in Riverside, Nairobi in front of family and friends in attendance, including Mudavadi and his wife Tessie, who acted as witnesses and presided over by the priest.

High-profile politicians were also present at the church wedding, including CSs Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) and Moses Kuria (Public Service) who were among those who shared photos from the white wedding. 

Maryanne was dressed in a shimmering white gown and a veil that perfectly covered her face. Her parents stood by her side as they pronounced blessings on the newlyweds.

On his part, the groom wore a velvet tuxedo suit as the wedding attendees showcased a variety of attire ranging from semi-casual dress code to formal suits.

On Saturday, August 19, the couple tied the knot in a flashy traditional ceremony popularly known as ruracio, at her father Mudavadi's Mululu home in Vihiga County.

The lovebirds had been keeping details of their relationship a secret for a while and were dating for some time prior to the ceremony.

Citizen TV's Ayub Abdikadir Weds Idil Hassan

Citizen TV news anchor, Ayub Abdikadir, on Sunday, September 3 married his lover, Idil Hassan Ali at an elaborate ceremony held at a hotel along Mombasa Road.

The event featured an ensemble guest list consisting of National Assembly Majority whip Sylvanus Osoro as well as Citizen TV journalists including Managing Editor Linus Kaikai, news anchors Trevor Ombija and Rashid Abdalla and crime reporter Hassan Mugambi.

According to an invite card seen by Viral Tea, the event referred to as a Nikah in Islamic faith, began at 12:00 noon, the card having been used to access the exclusive event.

The Nikah is a religious ceremony for a Muslim couple to be legally wed under Islamic law, and is when the couple officially says “I accept.”

It’s a prophetic tradition and the only permissible way that a man and woman can be married. What's more, it’s not permitted for a couple to be intimate without a Nikah, so the ceremony legitimizes the relationship in front of God.

Gladys Shollei Weds Neil Horn

National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Gladys Shollei on Monday, August 7 wedded her fiancé, Neil Horn, during their long-awaited traditional engagement in a joyous and exclusive ceremony.

The highly-anticipated event, whose photos were shared all over social media platforms and seen by Viral Tea, captured Shollei donning a beautiful flowy red dress, and a black clutch bag and accessorised the look with a Maasai neckpiece. 

Horn donned a long, traditional navy blue kaftan shirt, cream trousers, black shoes and a beige hat as well as a traditional cane as an accessory.

The traditional engagement was a testament to the couple's love and commitment, marking the beginning of their journey together. It was attended by close friends and family, among them lawyer Donald Kipkorir and Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha.

Gideon Moi's Son Weds Rebecca Chepchumba 

KANU Party National Chairman, Gideon Moi, on Saturday, May 6 witnessed a landmark occasion in his life as his eldest son, Kigen Moi, tied the knot with his lover, Rebecca Chepchumba during a colourful wedding.

The couple wedded at a private location in Kericho County, attended by, among other high-profile guests, former Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, and Kenya Defence Forces Major General Mohamed Badi.

Kigen is the eldest child of Gideon and Zahra Moi and has two siblings – brother Kimoi and sister Lulu Moi.

Reports indicated that the bride hails from a family that has befriended that of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi for years.

Citizen TV's Hassan Mugambi Weds Mwanaidy Shishi

Kamene Goro Weds DJ Bonez

Former Kiss FM presenter Kamene Goro on Thursday, April 20 got married to her long-term boyfriend, David Pyper alias DJ Bonez, at an exclusive wedding ceremony held in Nairobi.

The ceremony was a star-studded event attended by close friends and family, including Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o.

Kameme's former co-host, Oga Obinna, and Sol Generation musician Nviiri Sande - popularly known as Nviiri the Storyteller were among those in attendance at the event.

Kamene was captured rocking a peach dress at the wedding, which is away from the tradition of long, white wedding gowns, while DJ Bonez rocked a pink blazer with a white shirt and a black pair of trousers.

The venue was decorated with multicoloured flowers with a board describing the couple's initials in a unique styling and elegant format.

The wedding came about six months after DJ Bonez proposed to marry her. The couple got engaged back in September as DJ Bonez went down on one knee and asked her to marry him, to which she agreed, showcasing photos of the ring she donned on her finger.

Akothee Weds Denis 'Omosh' Schweizer

Kenyan singer and entrepreneur Esther Akoth, alias Akothee, tied the knot with Caucasian boyfriend Dennis Schweizer ‘Omosh’ on Monday, April 10, which also happened to be her birthday.

The highly-anticipated wedding took place at the Windsor Golf Hotel in Nairobi and attracted some high-profile personalities, most of whom were from the government.

Those in attendance included Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, Kisumu First Lady Dorothy Nyong’o, Migori First Lady Agnes Ayacko, EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal, Langata MP Felix Odiwuor (Jalang'o) and former EACC chairperson Professor PLO Lumumba.

Others included media personality Janet Mbugua, radio presenter Alex Mwakideu, comedian Njugush, and actress Sandra Dacha among others.