It’s not every day you see a nonagenarian walking down the aisle. So when 99-year-old Kenyan Johana Butuk decided to marry for the first time, it made headlines.
At the weekend, Mr Butuk married his girlfriend, Alice Jemeli, 40, after dating for 20 years.
The sweethearts tied the knot in a colorful wedding ceremony.
Kenyan newspaper,the standardWhen they met in 2003, Jemeli (the bride) was only 20 years old and Butu (the groom) was 69. Despite the age difference, love blossomed during their relationship.
The nonagenarian proposed to Jemel in December
According to reports, this is Mr Butuk’s first marriage as he has never had a relationship with a woman in his 99 years of life.
His fiancée, however, has three children from a previous relationship and is happy that Mr. Butuk has accepted them.
Getting married at 99
Mr. Butuk said there are valid reasons why he remained celibate during his 99 years on earth.
In an interview, he explained that he never married in his whole life, because he always wanted peace.
“I was also busy with small jobs, and when I decided to get married, all my friends were already grandfathers. But when I met my wife, I found that I had found what I wanted in life.
“Alice talks less and helps me face life’s challenges. I have been late in many things, but today I am happy that I am a married man. I am sure that my marital bliss will outlive me,” he said.
Although she was young when they met, she said he loved her for her modesty.
ALSO READ: Oluwo of Iwoko marries Kano princess, Firdaus
“I was first introduced by a female friend, and we connected well despite the age difference. I am happy because my wife is now mature and responsible,” he added.
Love at first sight
The story is no different for his bride who said she loved Mr. Butu from the moment she laid eyes on him.
“I loved him when we met in 2003. I left an abusive relationship, but when I met her through a woman, I loved her because she was humble and listened to me.
“He was old, and I decided to be his assistant because I would be married like any other woman,” Jemeli said.
Accept PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. However, only good journalism can guarantee a good society, a responsible democracy and the possibility of a transparent government.
For free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you make a modest contribution to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you’re helping to sustain journalism that matters and ensuring it’s free and accessible to everyone.
Donate
Text ad: Call Willie – +2348098788999
