This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On a sunny Saturday, Boniface Kiarie and his bride Mary Wawira made their way to the Full Gospel Church in Kutus, but not in the usual style. Instead of a limousine, they rode on an ox cart and a donkey cart, respectively, in a move that caused quite a stir in the sleepy town.
The convoy, which was escorted by boda boda riders, was a sight to behold as it made its way along the three-kilometre stretch from Ndomba village to Kutus town. The carts were decorated with flashy colours, and the bull at the front of the ox cart was even fitted with 'shoes'.
According to Kiarie, who is the manager of Leisure Hotels in Kutus, the decision to use the carts was a deliberate one, aimed at cutting costs in these hard economic times. 'I also wanted to show those who splash millions on lavish weddings only to start regretting after the guests have left that a simple one is still good enough,' he said.
The couple's wedding was a grand affair, with a reception held at the same church grounds where guests indulged in sumptuous dishes and toasted to the newlyweds.
