Modernity as well as traditional customs amalgamated quite beautifully in new two weddings story of the equal day. It was not necessary for this couple to include all African customs in Samburu East’s Archers Post, where they were celebrating their weekend. However, they thought otherwise. Both bride as well as groom i.e. Mary Leprtobiko and Daniel Lesrayon did want to relish taste of two different worlds in their wedding. Daniel Lesrayon here is Army soldier of Kenya whereas Mary Leprtobiko is “community development officer”. What both these people had in common was their Samburu culture love even though they are both stout Catholics. Thus, to give way to both these customs and culture they decided on getting married two times.
One was early morning traditional ceremony whereas other was an afternoon church occasion. Two best couples’s sets were also there in it. Onus in traditional rituals was done by Mrs as well as Mr. Baniface Lesanjir. Other couple who stood by them in afternoon were Mrs as well as Mr. Daniel Letoiye. This holy Matrimony was overseen by “Rev Fr Peter Leseketeti” who is a Catholic priest. However, in both occasions both groom as well as the best man stood barefooted. It was because of the reason that Samburu culture does not allow them to wear shoes. They even have to get rid of any weapons that are commonly carried by men according to community rules, like sword etc. Groom felt that it was most important tradition and thus he did not even carried his shoes into Christian church.
No shoes and sword wearing Samburu tradition
Explaining this tradition he said that “once a groom did wear shoes to his wedding and at that day itself a war took place. At that time, he was even wearing his sword thus he took part in fight and thus got murdered. It left her new bride with no option but to mourn”. Leaving shoes before wedding also depicts the deep meaning that whatever the matter, groom cannot leave wife on wedding day. It is mandatory for him to remain at home for celebrations, so that no bad omen occurs. If one violates this custom then a penalty has to be given by him. It can be even taking back the bride. This is highest punishment of all. Letoiye saw to it that he did not violate this tradition in fear of this punishment. Modernity does have given way to erosion of these traditions, than too Samburu never once forgot richness of their culture.
