For Raymond Makumi Kiiru and Anne Ng’endo, February 14, 2025 will be engraved on the rings they exchanged as they tied the knot after 30 years of staying together.

As Kenyans celebrated Valentine’s Day by exchanging gifts, enjoying meals, and spending time with loved ones, the two took a big step of saying ‘I do’ during a colorful church ceremony conducted at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Kamwangi Catholic Church in Gatundu North.

They exchanged their marriage vows in a ceremony attended by family and friends who turned up in large numbers.

Makumi said that they decided to solemnize their marriage after having learned from one another, loved one another and having gone through trials and tribulations and overcame them.

For the thirty years they have been together, the two pointed out that a successful and lasting marriage takes love, trust, perspective, commitment, understanding, friendship and faith in each other.

They thereby advised young people to take their time and know their partners and avoid rushing into making decisions that would lead to squabbles in their family set-ups.

Makumi dispelled claims that Kenyan men are not romantic saying that the generalization is not only inaccurate but also misinformed noting that romantic behavior can only be spotted greatly among individuals.

On her part, Ng’endo lauded the special Valentine’s Day gift from Makumi saying it symbolizes the extent of his love for her. She vowed to upscale her love towards him following the special treatment.

Mwaura Waithera, an elder shared similar sentiment advising Kenyans men to cultivate a culture of loving, caring and sustainably supporting their families for a better future.

A section of the attendants described the wedding event as a special gift from men especially during a day when people celebrate love and affection.

Valentine’s Day is described as significant in recognizing and honouring the ties that link people, whether couples, friends, or family members.