Bond of Love: Time Waits for No Man

In the bustling campus life of Karatina University back in 2017, fate quietly brought together two souls destined for an extraordinary journey of love, resilience, and unwavering trust in each other and in God. Samuel Kiarie and Nancy Muthoni, both actively involved in the Christian Union, would soon realise that their paths were destined to intertwine in ways they could never have imagined, as they narrate to NJAMBI GAITHO.

Samuel Kiarie and Nancy Muthoni’s love story began to unfold in 2018 during Samuel’s graduation. Among the sea of faces cheering for his success, one person stood out – Nancy. Her unwavering support and genuine care did not go unnoticed by Samuel.

“More than anyone else, Nancy was present. Both emotionally and physically. We were barely friends then, but I saw how dedicated she was, and I knew that’s something I wanted for a lifetime,” narrates Samuel.

As they spent more time together, a special connection began to form, deepening their friendship and spiritual bond. Despite the distance that separated them after graduation, they made sure to keep in touch, cherishing every conversation that brought them closer. As the months passed, Samuel and Nancy’s friendship blossomed into a beautiful love story, with each passing day strengthening their affection.

Finally, in 2021, after much soul-searching, Samuel found the courage to take the leap of faith and asked Nancy to be his girlfriend. To his delight, she joyfully accepted, sealing the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

“At this point, we were best friends. I wasn’t surprised when he asked me to be his girlfriend. It was long overdue. This is something we both wanted. So yes, it was!” Nancy recalls cheerfully.

Their love story unfolded like a beautiful symphony, the harmony between their hearts unmistakable. Just six months into their relationship, Samuel felt an unshakable certainty that Nancy was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Driven by his overwhelming love and conviction, he decided to take a leap of faith and propose to Nancy. Surprised yet elated, Nancy realised the depth of their connection and wholeheartedly agreed to embark on this journey of love and commitment.

As the pair made their first steps toward a future together, they were soon confronted with the Kikuyu traditional rite of passage known as ‘Ruracio,’ where they would be formally engaged and prepare for their approaching wedding. Dowry agreements gave them important lessons about financial responsibility.

“Friends helped, but not as much as we expected. We had to dig deeper into our pockets to finance the Ruracio. This was obviously not expected, but we tried our best considering we are two young souls trying to figure out everything about life, marriage, and finances. This was our biggest test,” Samuel recalls.

The traditional wedding was over, and Samuel had himself a wife. Nevertheless, they had to do a white wedding. And they needed to do it as soon as possible.

The wedding preparations came with a flurry of emotions, sleepless nights, and a whirlwind of last-minute arrangements. The couple juggled their work responsibilities while immersing themselves in wedding plans. It was a trying time, but it also strengthened their bond and taught them the essence of patience.

“We had just two months to plan for the wedding. I’d leave work at 4 p.m., then rush to Nairobi and come back to Kenol, where I lived at the time, at around 11 p.m., meaning I had few hours to sleep since the following morning I was expected to report to work. I would be exhausted and only God knows how I managed to remain productive,” Nancy narrates.

As Nancy navigated through the challenges of wedding preparation, she found newfound comfort and strength in Samuel’s staunch support. This reaffirmed her belief that he was the one she had been waiting for all along. The couple’s steadfast trust in each other and in God allowed them to weather the entire storm that came their way.

Two months later, their wedding day arrived. February 25, 2023! That morning, a major hiccup occurred.

“Everything was set. We left ACK, Kiawambeu Church, the venue, at around midnight the previous night. We were ready for the D-Day. Of all days, the electricity went out! The backup generator also bailed on us?” Samuel rants, laughing rather heartily.

The couple, rather than being rattled, embraced the moment, singing and dancing their way through it. Despite the unexpected glitch, the ceremony was a joyous and memorable occasion.

The climax of the day was when they were finally pronounced husband and wife. The weight of the planning process was finally lifted off their shoulders and was replaced by a profound sense of fulfilment. It marked the beginning of their journey as a married couple – a trip they were eager to embrace together, hand in hand.

Reflecting on their remarkable experiences, Samuel and Nancy offer valuable advice to others. Nancy urges everyone to know their own worth and never settle for anything less than they deserve in life. Samuel, on the other hand, emphasises the significance of marrying someone who is not just a partner but also a true friend. Friends naturally understand and support each other, making life’s journey more beautiful and meaningful.

This article was originally published in Issue 438. Click HERE to read the full issue.

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