A couple chose to proceed with their wedding despite a serious road accident that left the bride bedridden just days before their planned ceremony, exchanging their vows beside a hospital bed instead of at their original venue.
Miriam Gakenia and James Mwangi had spent approximately six months preparing for their wedding at Dominion Towers Deliverance Church in Nyeri. By September, they had organised the venue, wedding attire, rings and other arrangements, with only a few days remaining before their special day.
However, their plans took an unexpected turn when they travelled to Nairobi to purchase some of the remaining wedding items. While returning to Nyeri, the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a crash at Kiangwachi along the Nairobi–Nyeri highway.
Miriam sustained serious injuries, including a fracture to her right hip, a broken right arm and an injury to her left wrist. She was admitted to Outspan Hospital, where her condition left her unable to sit, stand or walk.
James also suffered injuries to his right hand and received treatment while wearing an arm sling. He was later discharged from the hospital.
The accident occurred just days before the couple’s scheduled wedding on Saturday, December 19, 2015. Despite the unexpected setback and Miriam’s condition, the two remained determined to get married as planned.
Miriam reportedly informed hospital staff that postponing the wedding was not an option. James shared the same determination, insisting that the accident would not prevent them from exchanging their vows.
He reportedly declared that he would still marry Miriam that day even if she had lost her legs.
After obtaining permission from the hospital, medical staff transported Miriam from her ward to an open space behind the facility, where the ceremony took place. Nurses, relatives, friends and members of their church attended the unusual wedding.
The service was officiated by Reverend Stephen Mungai of Dominion Towers Deliverance Church.
Throughout the ceremony, Miriam remained on an orthopaedic bed, smiling as she exchanged vows with James, who stood beside her with his injured arm supported in a sling.
Both had their hands in casts, making it difficult to exchange rings and sign the marriage certificate. Nevertheless, they managed to complete the necessary formalities and were officially pronounced husband and wife.
The hospital ceremony was a far cry from the elaborate wedding the couple had originally planned. There was no grand reception or traditional wedding photography, but the two proceeded with their commitment to one another despite the circumstances.
Following the service, Miriam was returned to a private hospital room, where James spent several hours with her before heading back to his business in Nairobi.
At the time, Miriam was employed as a systems administrator at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology. Doctors estimated that she would need approximately six weeks in hospital to recover from her injuries.
The couple’s unusual wedding has since attracted attention as a memorable story from Kenya, with a Citizen TV clip showing the ceremony continuing to circulate online.
Their decision to marry despite the accident has been remembered as an example of commitment and determination, showing how they chose to begin their married life together even after an unexpected tragedy disrupted their plans.