On January 14, 2023, Johana Maritim Butuk, a 99-year-old Kenyan, married his sweetheart Alice Jemeli.
Butuk was 69 years old and Jemeli was barely 20 when they first met in 2003.
Despite having different ages, their relationship grew, and they are now married.
Butuk Answers Why He Did Not Marry Until Now
“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.
“She was young when we first met, and I loved her because of her humility. I was first introduced to her by a woman called Tabasei, and ;we connected well despite the age differences. I am happy because my wife is now mature and responsible.” He said.
The wife on her part, said,
“I loved him when we first met in 2003. I had quit an abusive relationship, but when I met Mzee (Butuk) 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”.
She continued, taking delight in having transformed Butuk’s life, who was previously destitute and ragged when they first met. Butuk shared a residence with his deceased brother Arap Kenei, who was only known by the name “arap.”