Sam and Jeniffer Kabanga’s Half a Century of Love and Devotion

Sam and Jennifer Kabanga’s 51-year journey together is a beautiful, breathtaking story that shows just how much deep joy and steady strength a committed marriage can bring. They offer a warm, powerful counsel to every young couple dreaming of a lifetime together, as narrated to NJAMBI GAITHO

Their love story, which began with a sweet, unexpected encounter on the road and a delicious plate of homemade chapatis, has carried them through life’s toughest roads: financial pressures, career demands, and the deepest heartbreak of losing two of their children. Yet, they faced it all by cultivating a sacred home built on peace, heartfelt support, and a constant spirit of forgiveness. Their narrative is a tender reminder that lasting love isn’t about avoiding the hard times, but about choosing patience, understanding, and working hard, hand in hand.

Sam, who worked as a pharmaceutical company representative, still lights up when he talks about the day in 1973 when he first saw Jennifer. “Back in 1973, we used to travel to different places in the country to sell drugs and visit doctors. And one day we met… “I met a beautiful girl,” Sam fondly recalls.

He saw her walking along the road and was immediately captivated, particularly by her hair. He quickly asked his driver to stop. Jennifer initially hesitated to accept the ride, saying she was only going a short distance.

“She refused, but I persuaded her until she agreed,” Sam says, a hint of his old charm still evident. The short ride ended quickly, but Sam knew he had to see her again. He asked her if they could go to her house for a meal the following week. Jennifer, a teacher, was happy to prepare the meal.

Having attended a good school where home science was seriously taught, she was confident in the kitchen. “Making a meal for visitors was not an issue because I was used to cooking and cooking well, for that matter,” Jennifer explains, adding, “I thought the best food I could prepare for them was chapati... it was fast to prepare, and I was used to making it.”

Those perfect chapatis cemented their connection. Their relationship deepened over subsequent visits to the staff room at her school. An important trip to Nairobi, where Sam lived, followed. It was filled with fun at Uhuru Park and a movie date at the famous Cameo Cinema. By late 1973, they had made up their minds to move the relationship to the next level and told their parents of their intention to marry.

The customary marriage negotiations involved a significant sacrifice and a long journey to deliver the bride price. “My father had to sell two cows. They took these cows, and it’s quite a distance,” Sam recalls, adding that after completing the customary requirements, they were given the go-ahead to start their marriage plans.

Their wedding took place on October 5, 1974, at CPK (now ACK) St. Peter’s Church in Githunguri in Kiambu. Jennifer, just 22 at the time, shares the poignant emotion of that day. “You may think that the wedding day is the best day of your life, but the thought of departing from your home to go to unfamiliar grounds makes you sad, but you also pray and hope the new journey you are starting will go well,” she shares.

Sam recalls that their wedding happened at the time when the Nairobi International Show was going on, and this drove up the price of hiring a bus to carry family members and guests, but they overcame this challenge with the help of friends. Their wedding reception was held at a place called Kigumo in Githunguri, and attracted many villagers who came to eat buttered bread and drink tea, a rare meal at the time. They all had a great time.

When asked about overcoming challenges they have experienced in their time together, Jennifer’s reply is a stunning affirmation of Sam’s devotion. “He has been devoted to the marriage and very calm when dealing with situations that arise, and also encouraging me during the challenging times we have faced together,” she says.

Their life together has been marked by deep sorrow, including the devastating loss of two daughters, their second-born, Caroline Kabanga, who passed in 1992 and their first-born, Faith Kabanga, who passed in 2023. They found comfort and the will to keep going through their faith and the love of their other children. Besides the two deceased, they have four more children, whom Sam calls God’s blessings.

Sam says they have also gone through financial challenges, especially when the children were in school, but they kept their spirits up and their partnership strong. After Jennifer left teaching, she went back to college to get a certificate in office management, and she is grateful that her husband supported her and paid all the fees. They have managed businesses together and emphasise the importance of trust in managing joint ventures in marriage.

The couple’s advice to the younger generation is to move beyond surface-level attraction and financial considerations when choosing a spouse and to investigate the level of commitment and where each person’s heart truly lies.

Sam cautions, “Look at someone’s inner beauty that is displayed through their values, someone you are aligned with in your aspirations and someone you can live with for the rest of your life, with or without money.” He urges young people to pray for their life partner, acknowledging that the person who truly loves you might not be the one you initially feel drawn to.

Jennifer emphasises the seriousness of a marriage decision and the need for unending commitment. “You should know it’s not a trial and error, but something to be well thought-out in a practical manner while involving God and people close to you, such as family, ” she advises.

She ends by acknowledging that the foundation of their more than half-a-decade union is built on unending love, tolerance, deep respect for one another, hard work, a lot of sacrifice, and a lot of forgiving along the way. The story of this couple is heart-warming and proves that there can be long-lasting joy in marriage.

This story was originally published in Issue 447. Click here to read the full issue.

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