This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On a quiet morning in Nairobi, an unlikely figure walked into the Registrar of Marriages' office at Sheria House. Whispers filled the air as other couples craned their necks to catch a glimpse of 90-year-old industrialist Manu Chandaria, who had come to register his marriage to his 85-year-old wife, Aruna, after 64 years of living together as husband and wife.
At 10:15 am, the ceremony began, officiated by Loise Bett, Assistant Registrar of Marriages. Manu Chandaria took his vows, saying, 'I, Manilal Premchand Chandaria, do take you, Aruna Chandaria, to be my lawful wedded wife.'
Aruna responded, 'I call upon all persons here present to witness. I, Aruna Chandaria, do take you, Manilal Premchand Chandaria, to be my lawful wedded husband.'
The ceremony was a family affair, with only their two children and two grandchildren in attendance. The family had come from Switzerland, New York, and Singapore.
After exchanging rings, the Assistant Registrar pronounced them husband and wife, saying, 'And by the public taking of these vows, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.'
The couple has two children, Priti, 63, and Neal, 57, three grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter who is yet to turn one.
The cost of the ceremony was Sh9, 700. The honeymoon will be a family lunch at an Italian restaurant in Gigiri, followed by Aruna taking a nap.
Manu Chandaria has never worn a ring before, but his wife, Aruna, has always worn one, although it has now been upgraded to a 4.5 carat diamond ring. The ring was a gift from a friend who heard he was getting married again.
When asked about the price of the ring, Manu Chandaria said, 'I can afford it now, but back then when we first wedded, I could not afford to even look at it! I'm glad I can now give her a bigger and better ring.'
According to the Marriage Act 2014, the couple's previous marriage certificate, issued on April 30, 1955, is not recognized by the authorities. Therefore, they decided to get married again to obtain a new certificate.
Loise Bett, Assistant Registrar of Marriages, explained, 'Under that Act, we issue certificates for all customary marriages, so people can register their marriage to get a certificate instead of using an affidavit.'
Manu Chandaria's advice for young people on how to make their marriages last is, 'Love and affection for each other, commitment to each other, and making sure we do not cross each other.'
