Last Sunday, Kenyans were treated to a rare spectacle when tens of couples assembled for a mass union in Embu County.
The 57 couples walked down the aisle in a colourful mass wedding at Karaba Wango Catholic Church in Mbeere South, Embu County.
Diocese of Embu Bishop Rev Paul Kariuki celebrated mass and led in uniting the 57 couples, many who had already been living together as man and wife.
The couples seized the opportunity of a mass wedding as it was cheaper compared to wedding on their own.
They were mainly elderly, some having up to six fully grown children while the youngest were past 30 years. Hundreds of residents, including Embu Deputy Governor David Kariuki, turned up to witness the rare ceremony.
Paul Mutua, 62, and his wife Alice, 56, were among the lovebirds who exchanged vows in church after co-habiting as man and wife for the last 40 years.
Surrounded by their children and grandchildren, the couple said the mass wedding prompted them to say I do.
“I would advise a couple planning to marry to tie the knot in church. The marriage is blessed. I wish we took that route when we married,” said Ms Mutua.
After exchanging vows, Joseph Mutisya and his wife Grace who had lived together for 18 years said the ceremony had rejuvenated their marriage and they looked forward to a future where they are more united.
Rev Kariuki said such mass weddings though rare serve a lesson of reminding people not to fear holding a church wedding thinking that it is expensive.
He said the ceremony showed the right way for young people to follow at a time when the nation is faced by activists agitating for the rights of gays and lesbians.