A wedding ceremony in Nyambunde village, Bobasi, Kisii County, ended in shock and tears after the groom ran away from the altar moments before exchanging vows.
The unusual incident happened on Saturday afternoon at a local Seventh-Day Adventist church where villagers, friends, and relatives had gathered to witness the couple tie the knot.
According to eyewitnesses, the wedding was progressing well until the pastor asked the groom if he accepted the bride as his lawfully wedded wife. Instead of answering, the man looked at the bride, glanced at the congregation, then turned and sprinted out of the church at full speed.
People thought he would come back after cooling down but he disappeared completely. Guests were left whispering and staring at each other in disbelief. Some chased him but could not catch up with him.
The bride, dressed in a beautiful white gown, broke down in tears and had to be comforted by her close friends and family members. Her parents were also seen trying to calm down angry relatives who demanded answers about why the groom ran away.
The bride’s father, who spoke briefly, said he was still shocked and could not understand what went wrong. He said the man had paid dowry and the family had spent a lot of money preparing for the wedding and the reception that was to follow.
Neighbours say the couple had dated for over two years and there were no signs of trouble. Some villagers, however, claim that the man may have received a phone call shortly before the ceremony started. It is not clear what the call was about but some believe it could be related to the sudden change of heart.
Church elders and the pastor have asked the community to avoid spreading rumours and to respect the privacy of both families as they try to solve the matter.
Meanwhile, the bride’s family has urged the groom to come forward and explain himself. At the time of reporting, his phone was still switched off and his whereabouts remain unknown.
The abandoned bride was later taken home by relatives as the villagers shared the food that had been prepared for the wedding guests.
By Kenyans