A man from Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, has opened up about his relationship with his lover, who has a disability. Mike Mutai and his lover, Joan Jebet, during their engagement ceremony in Eldoret. Mike Mutai held a one-of-a-kind engagement ceremony with Joan Jebet Kipkoech, a wheelchair user from Kapluka Kapsinyor in Chang’ach Barak. The beautiful event was graced by friends and family, who came to celebrate the admirable couple. How did Jebet and Mutai meet? Speaking after the ceremony, the couple shared the touching story of how they met and fell in love. “I knew her a long time ago when we were still very young. I noticed that she had a disability from an early age. I used to ask my mum about her condition. I never judged her, unlike many others. I still admired her,” Mutai said.
“Years later, we reunited after I returned to Eldoret from Nairobi, where I had gone for work. I decided to look for her,” he said. Jebet shared that Mutai used to send her airtime and would frequently check in on her. She described him as a loving and caring man who eventually won her heart. Subscribe to watch new videos Why did Mutai’s friends walk away? Their journey was not always smooth, as they revealed the challenges they faced in their relationship. “In my family, some people deserted me. Only a few stood by me when I told them I was marrying Jebet, a woman with a disability.
Some of my friends also cut ties with me. A significant number walked out on me. Some of them asked, ‘What were you thinking?’ Honestly, I can’t answer that question. When they ask, I just keep quiet and walk away. When I was young, whenever I saw Joan, I would ask my mum who she would befriend or who she would marry. I’ve always had a deep respect for people with disabilities. At home, three young men were born with disabilities — they were my close friends. I naturally connect with people with disabilities. I believe it’s God’s doing,” Mutai shared. How did Jebet’s family receive her engagement news?
Jebet, on her part, noted that her family was very supportive and happy to hear that she was getting married. She said she faced minimal resistance from her family, who were eager to see her find love and settle down. However, she did mention that she sometimes faced rejection, especially when looking for jobs, due to her condition.
By John Green
