A 101-year-old Kenyan man, Mzee Johanna Butuuk, who got married for the very first time at 99 has passed away two years after their viral wedding.
Butuuk and his then 40-year-old wife, Alice Jepkorir tied the nuptial knot in 2023 after 20 years of dating.
It was also the first time the elderly man was leaving bachelorhood.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke on Monday, October 6, a family member, Sally Chepkoech, revealed that Mzee Johanna breathed his last a few days ago at the age of 101.
Sally said the centenarian did not suffer from any ill health, as he d!ed in his sleep.
The couple’s colourful wedding ceremony was held on January 14, 2023, in Soy, Uasin Gishu County, where Catholic priests presided over the joyous occasion.
According to his relative, Sally Chepkoech, the then 99-year-old had never known marriage before and was thrilled to finally meet the love of his life, even in his twilight years.
“It was a big wedding ceremony, and it was even presided over by priests of the Catholic church who came to our home compound for the wedding,” an excited Sally said in 2023.
“He has never been married before, and so when we, his nieces and nephews, got married, he asked us who would take care of him because we were all married and away. That is when we actually decided to look for a wife for him so that he could finally have someone by his side,” she added
The then newlywed, Alice had explained that she preferred her elderly husband compared to younger men as he was calm and unproblematic.
“I love him so much because he is an unproblematic man, unlike those young men who get drunk and beat up their wives. Even the previous man who impregnated me never helped me at all. This man helps me pay school fees and take care of my children,” she said.