A 99-year-old Kenyan man, Johana Maritim Butuk, has married his girlfriend, Alice Jemeli, 40, after 20 years of dating.
The nonagenarian proposed to Jemeli in December, 2022 and plans of a wedding ceremony started. The Standard reported that it was Butuk’s first marriage since he has never dated a woman for the 99 years he has lived. However, Jemeli has three children from a previous relationship and is happy Butuk has accepted them.
However, residents say they had never seen a 99-year-old man marrying a woman the age of his granddaughter. “I did not marry my entire life because I have always wanted peace of mind. I was also busy with menial jobs, and when I decided to marry all my friends were already grandfathers. But when I met my wife, I discovered that I found what I wanted in life. Alice talks less and helps navigate challenges in life. I have been late in many things, but today I am happy because I am a married man. I am confident that the happiness in my marriage will make me live longer,” says Butuk.
He added: “She was young when we first met, and I loved her because of her humility. I was first introduced to her by a female friend and we connected well despite the age differences. I am happy because my wife is now mature and responsible.”
Meanwhile, Jemeli said, “I loved him when we first met in 2003. I had quit an abusive relationship, but when I met him through a woman, I loved him because he was humble and listened to me. He was old, and I decided to be his helper because I knew that I would become a married woman like other women,” Jemeli says