Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi graced the National Police Service Uniformed Mass Wedding for 32 couples at the Embakasi Police Training College on Saturday, November 11.
In her speech, Pastor Dorcas said the formalization of marriages was crucial to the families as a way of safeguarding the families.
Further, she gave the example of cases when a man serving in the police service dies and leaves the wife struggling to access what rightfully belonged to them due to lack of certification and recognition as a wife.
“Some of you get married at a very early age after your graduation and due to the nature of your job and sometimes they never get time to legalize their marriage,” she said.
In addition, Pastor Dorcas noted that having official marriages would help in dealing with cases of mental illnesses, violence, murder and depression among police officers- encouraging them to seek counselling whenever in need.
“The family institution is having many challenges today, but I urge you never to give up, never lose hope. Marriage works and I am a witness, I have been there for close to 36 years now.”
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“I believe in family values; I believe in family. To the wives of our officers. We are always reminded that whoever gets a good wife, not whoever gets a good knife. You are not supposed to be a knife to your husband. Be patient with your husband,” she added.
Gachagua’s wife stance on Same Sex Marriages
Pastor Dorcas also called on the church to discourage same sex marriages saying it is against the Christian, Muslim, Hindu and traditions beliefs.
“I say again it is Male and female. Say no to the same sex marriage,” she said.
“They also received a gift from the President and the Deputy President, including the Bible, our blueprint in this life,” she said.
Addressing the congregants, Pastor Dorcas said her office will hold the uniformed weddings annually. The uniformed wedding is in line with the agenda of the office of the spouse of the Deputy President on family values.
On their part, President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua sent gifts for the newly wedded couples.
“I thank the President, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, and his Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua , the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome, and the entire National Police Service for their support in actualizing this vision,” Pastor Dorcas added.
Congratulatory Messages
Police officers who formalized their marriages expressed their joy terming it a restoration of some of their marriages.
Eric Muturi (28) and Alice Muturi (26) were the youngest couple among the 32 couples officiating their marriages in the mass wedding.
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Eric said it had been difficult to organize a wedding for their marriage due to financial constraints.
“Organizing a wedding comes with huge costs but since it is catered for, it has been easy for me and I enjoy the day and thank pastor Dorcas for making this happen,” Eric Said.
According to Chaplain Timothy Maina- the cleric who officiated the weddings and the police county chaplain in Kiambu County, the move will restore more families and marriages. Chaplain Maina said the officiating of marriages was incredibly significant to police officers and their families.
“Sometimes it is family battles, and I can tell you the significance is not just enjoying but am sure these couples will live to satisfaction,” Chaplain Maina said.
Police officers elated after wedding
On his part, Titus Barasa- a police officer serving in Makueni- said the marriage certificate is so significant in their marriage adding that he had been given a second chance.
The police band led the couples in songs and dances which filled the space with joy and jubilation as everyone showed their prowess in their dancing.
Thanking Pastor Dorcas for organizing the event, Senior Sergeant of Police Daudi Musa promised to lead as an example in nurturing good family values among his colleagues and juniors.
Musa, a father of 3, urged his colleagues to learn how to manage anger and pride in their families- saying these have contributed to many misunderstandings in many families.