It is from the Eritrean community, with deep roots in the Greek Orthodox Church, that Prime Minister Raila Odinga's son Fidel Odinga found his true love, Lwam Bekele. He solemnised his union on Saturday at the Greek Orthodox Church in Nairobi in a quiet ceremony away from the prying eyes of the media. This was the second wedding for the groom after splitting up with his first wife Veronica Wanjiru.
Weeks earlier, Fidel had been baptised in the faith, adopting the name Makarios. The nuptials started with the couple being given candles to hold throughout the ceremony followed by the joining of their right hands. This was followed by “the crowning” where a crown is placed on the couple's heads and which marks the climax of the event. The couple then shared a common cup followed by a procession out of the venue.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom's parents were asked to say what they felt about their children's biggest day. Fidel's mother was ecstatic about the wedding, equating it to the day that she gave birth to her child. “I have a new daughter Lwam,” said the beaming Ida. In attendance were the PM Raila Odinga, the groom's brother Raila Junior and the family and friends of the bride. The Star wishes the newlyweds a happy marriage.