Proud Moments: Gideon Moi Rejoices as Son Kimoi Ties the Knot in a Grand Traditional Ceremony

15th September 2024

Gideon Moi, former Senator of Baringo and leader of the KANU party, was a proud father this past weekend. His son, Kimoi Moi, tied the knot with his longtime love, Ivy Chebet, in a traditional wedding filled with glamour, joy, and a few surprises. Held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, this grand event saw friends, family, and dignitaries gather to witness a heartwarming union that had been years in the making.

It’s not every day that a political dynasty’s son gets married, and Kimoi’s big day was a show-stopper in more ways than one. As the day unfolded, so did the drama, the humor, and the inevitable anecdotes that come with any wedding involving the who’s-who of Kenya.

A Father’s Pride and Blessings

As the dust settled on the wedding celebrations, Gideon Moi took to social media to share his heartfelt sentiments. “As a father, I am proud of my son Kimoi for taking the bold step to formalize his union with the love of his life, Ivy Chebet,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “May God’s blessings cover their union as husband and wife. We wish them nothing but grace, understanding, and happiness as they embark on this journey.”

It was a statement filled with pride and emotion, as Moi not only praised his son’s decision but also embraced his new role as a father-in-law. There’s a saying in Kenya: “When a son marries, the father gets a new daughter.” Clearly, Moi is more than ready to welcome Ivy into the family fold.

Kimoi Follows in Brother’s Footsteps

This wedding wasn’t the first for the Moi family this year. Just months earlier, Kimoi’s elder brother, Kigen Moi, had his own lavish wedding. Kigen married Rebecca Chepchumba in a private ceremony in Kericho County, followed by an exquisite white wedding in Rome, Italy, in May 2024. Two weddings in one year? That’s enough to keep any family buzzing with excitement (and maybe a little bit of wedding fatigue).

Kimoi’s traditional wedding, known as koito in Kalenjin culture, involved dowry negotiations, blessings from both families, and plenty of dancing. It was an event that perfectly captured the blend of tradition and modernity that the Moi family embodies. In a year filled with weddings, Gideon and his wife, Zahra Moi, are likely getting used to the sound of wedding bells and gaining new family members.

Political Guests and Special Moments

Kimoi’s wedding attracted some high-profile guests, as one might expect from a family with deep political roots. President William Ruto’s special adviser, Charles Keter, was among the dignitaries who graced the occasion, along with several other senior government officials. It’s not every day that political heavyweights gather for such a personal and intimate event, but this wedding was a celebration of more than just love—it was a symbol of Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

With such prominent figures in attendance, there were bound to be a few whispers and side conversations about the country’s current state of affairs. Kenya’s economy, political future, and immigration policies were probably just as hot a topic as the wedding vows being exchanged. After all, when the movers and shakers of the nation gather, even weddings become an opportunity for some subtle politicking.

A Family United by Tradition

The koito ceremony, deeply rooted in Kalenjin tradition, is a significant milestone in any family. It’s more than just a wedding; it’s a union of two families and a formal acknowledgment of the bride and groom’s commitment to each other. The dowry negotiations, though serious in nature, often come with a bit of humor. There’s always that uncle who pushes for just a little more, or the cousin who cracks a joke to lighten the mood. In the end, both families reached an agreement, and the couple received their blessings to start their new life together.

It’s said that in a koito, the groom’s family not only gains a bride but also strengthens the bonds between their community and the bride’s family. For the Moi family, this wedding marked a strengthening of ties, not just within their immediate circle, but also with the wider Kalenjin community.

Double the Weddings, Double the Joy

It’s a rare year when two sons from one of Kenya’s most prominent families both get married. Kigen’s wedding in Rome earlier in the year was an elegant affair, filled with the kind of flair you’d expect from a wedding abroad. But Kimoi’s wedding, while rooted in traditional customs, had its own share of glamour and excitement.

Weddings in the Moi family are not just personal milestones; they’re events that capture the attention of the entire country. When Kigen married Rebecca in Rome, there was a sense of international sophistication. Kimoi’s wedding, on the other hand, brought the focus back home, highlighting the importance of tradition, family, and community.