A beautiful love story is currently blossoming in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. It all began with a simple mobile phone error 15 years ago.
NTV Kenya’s Gabriel Kudaka visited the couple, Ibrahim and Janet, at their home in Shauri estate to hear their remarkable tale.
This anecdote proves that not every mistake must be a failure.
The Fateful Wrong Number
In April 2009, Ibrahim was working as a vendor in Eldoret. While going about his duties, he made a common error. He mistakenly sent mobile phone airtime worth 50 shillings to the wrong number.
Ibrahim recalls how the 50 shillings loss ultimately earned him a wife.
“Instead of typing my customer’s number as 930 811, I mistakenly typed 811 930. I noticed the money has gone to the wrong number,” he recalled.
The mistaken transfer created a perfect platform for a conversation. That initial chat eventually led to marriage a decade and a half later.
“I called her and asked her to reverse the airtime, and surprisingly, she reversed, something that shocked me.”
Building a Foundation of Conversation
The simple error in sending the airtime to the wrong number ended up being the correct one. Their casual conversation that followed transformed into genuine love.
“He called me and asked where I was, and I confirmed I was in Murang’a county and asked me to reverse his airtime. I told him I didn’t know how to reverse, and he took me through reversal steps,” Janet Waithera, the spouse revealed.
It has now been 15 years since that lovely mistake occurred. The couple still uses terms of endearment for each other. They continue to call each other ‘babes’.
Overcoming Initial Reservations
The lovebirds confessed that their journey was not without challenges. Both Ibrahim and Janet expressed early fears. They also had reservations about their budding relationship.
These concerns stemmed from the fact that Ibrahim had a physical disability. This was an important detail he had not disclosed during their initial phone conversations.
Despite these issues, the couple overcame the hurdles.
“Before sending me his photo, he began defending himself, asking me not to get shocked on seeing his picture,” Janet said.
15 Years of Blossoming Love
Ibrahim and Janet admire their wedding photographs today. The pictures were taken 15 years ago in April 2009. The couple’s love still blossoms after all this time.
Ibrahim continues to soldier on to fend for his family. He and Janet are currently seeking the secret to keeping their marriage strong.
Their story demonstrates a powerful lesson about turning misfortune into an opportunity.
BY moses sagwe
