Mzee Johanna Butuuk, the elderly man whose 2023 wedding to 38-year-old Alice Jepkorir captured national attention, has passed away at his home in Soy, Uasin Gishu County.
Family members confirmed that the 99-year-old died peacefully in his sleep and showed no signs of illness before his death.
Speaking to the press, his wife Alice said the family was preparing to lay him to rest on Tuesday. She described his passing as sudden but peaceful, saying he simply went to bed and never woke up. The family and neighbours have since been visiting their home to comfort her and the children.
Mzee Butuuk’s wedding made headlines last year after photos and videos of the ceremony went viral on social media. It was a colourful event presided over by Catholic priests, marking the first time the nonagenarian had ever married.
His relatives, led by niece Sally Chepkoech, said the wedding was arranged out of love and concern for his well-being after he expressed loneliness in his old age.
Sally once revealed that they decided to find him a wife so he could have someone to care for him in his final years. Alice, his bride, said she fell in love with him for his calm nature and kindness. She praised him as a responsible man who supported her children and treated her with respect.
Mzee Butuuk’s story had warmed the hearts of many Kenyans, proving that love knows no age limit.
His death has brought sadness to those who celebrated his rare journey of finding companionship at nearly a century old. Family and friends remember him as gentle, humorous, and full of wisdom until his final day.
