It was a blissful wedding ceremony that lasted exactly one hour 20 minutes and witnessed by hundreds of curious congregants.
Former inmate Samuel Kahiga 56, was exchanging nuptial vows with the love of his life, Lucy Wanjiku 27, at the Full Gospel Church, Ol Kalou, Nyandarua county.
It was pin drop silence when Bishop George Gathari popped up with the dreaded question of anyone opposed to the wedding to raise their hands or forever hold their peace.
“Should anyone present here know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace,” he uttered.
The sigh of relief was palpable followed by jubilant ululations from the church faithful. The couple, too, was happy. The Sunday event went on as scheduled.
The Bishop encouraged the couple to stick to their goals and focus ahead, as he appealed to the society to embrace reformed prisoners and welcome them back.
“We should not be judgmental as Christians, but instead, welcome former inmates back to the fold. Also, being in jail is not the end of life,” he told the church faithful.
For 31-years, the bridegroom spent his time under the watchful eye of the uncompromising prison officers at the highly protected Naivasha Maximum Security Prison.
Close to a decade, he lived in the shadow of death after being sentenced to death for a robbery with violence offence in August 1991.
Being a capital offender, he was treated like pariah, only allowed 30 minutes to bask in the sun before being taken back to the dingy cell.
“When interacting with the others, I was always in handcuffs. Being shackled was cardinal rule for death row inmates,” the bride remembered.
Later, the jail term was commuted to a life sentence, saving the inmate from the hangman’s noose.
His crime life was cut short with the first attempt, earning his years in jail. “Crime does not pay,” he warned.
Throughout his incarceration, he was on an emotional rollercoaster, with his thoughts oscillating between hope and despair. He could only envisage such an occasion.
But it was his day those who ensured that he walked around prison walls in manacles cheering him on.
His remarkable transformation while behind bars where he was the main trustee earned him freedom ten months ago
He seized the moment and toasted the day. His demeanour speaking volumes. For months, the bridegroom planned for this hour…he had been dreaming of it.
He energetically danced to the mugithi gospel songs crooned by the choir with his bride in tow. With exuberant relatives and church members joining the jig.
“Even while still imprisoned I remained positive that I will wed in church, watched by friends and relatives….it has come to pass,” said Mr Kahiga smiling from ear to ear.
When he left prison, on top of his wish-to-do list was getting married. Having spent three decades in jail meant his youthful years were well behind him.
“I wanted to immediately start a family. Am happy that my plans are falling into place… I can only plan ahead,” he added.
Former inmate Samuel Kahiga, 56, with his love Lucy Wanjiku, 27, on their wedding day at the Full Gospel Church in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County.
He was full of praise for his bride, saying that she had supported him throughout his journey.
“We cannot dwell on the bygones…let bygones be bygones,” said the bride who was equally in high spirits.
Some naysayers had their say but Mrs Kahiga was focused and gave them a deaf ear. “I could not be more than happy,” she said, fighting back tears.
The couple’s first stop after their honeymoon will be at the Naivasha based correctional facility to give a “high five” to his former mates after they sent messages of goodwill.
“We are ready to welcome them to the facility for an uplifting pep talk… a tone of encouragement,” said the chaplain in charge of the reform facility, Revered Kennedy Chumo.
The officer in charge of the Naivasha Maximum Security Hassan Tari described the former inmate as “inspiration” and role model to many.”
“As a facility we are highly proud of Mr Kahiga. He is a good ambassador to the values that we espouse. He will greatly motivate others who have lost hope,” said the facility boss.
During the wedding, Mr Tari sent a team that showered the newlyweds with gifts.
The team was led by the Officer-In-Charge, Industries Superintendent Royford Riungu too was equally elated.
“Mr Kahiga learnt his trade in the industry and he was industrious,” said Mr Riungu.
Former inmate Samuel Kahiga, 56, with his love Lucy Wanjiku, 27, on their wedding day at the Full Gospel Church in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County.
He described the ex-convict as a reformed prisoner who was greatly motivated by other inmates having acquired several trades, including a grade 1 certification in carpentry.
“He was also a trained theologian and was fondly referred to as an evangelist behind bars,” added the Prison superintendent
Mr Riungu hailed the groom for his role in encouraging despairing inmates where he also doubled up as preacher. BY DAILY NATION