Africa News of Monday, 23 October 2023

Source: bbc.com

Kenyan Catholic priest marries after joining splinter group

Father Edwin Gathang’i Waiguru spoke to the media after Sunday's ceremony Father Edwin Gathang’i Waiguru spoke to the media after Sunday's ceremony

An ordained Kenyan Catholic priest has taken the unusual step of getting married.

In the Catholic tradition, priests are supposed to commit to a life of celibacy but Reverend Father Edwin Gathang’i Waiguru has now joined a splinter group, known as the Catholic Charismatic church.

Bishop Patrick Mulau of the Kirinyaga Charismatic Church conducted the wedding ceremony on Sunday in Kiambu country, just north of the capital, Nairobi.

Standing next to his bride, Margaret Wanjira Githui, Father Waiguru said "It is possible to serve God and have a family and have a lovely wife".

"God did not make a mistake when he created a man and a woman and He said it is not good for somebody to be alone."

Hundreds of the couple's family and friends went to witness the unusual ceremony, NTV reports.