Kanze Dena ties the knot at colourful, guarded ceremony

Statehouse spokesperson and Head of President’s Strategic Communication Unit Kanze Dena at a past event.

Statehouse spokesperson and Head of President’s Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) Kanze Dena, got married yesterday in an invite-only ceremony at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County.

Dressed in a flowing cream gown, Ms Dena walked down the aisle to her groom, identified as Nick Mararo, who was in a grey suit.

Not much is known about her husband whom we understand is the CEO of Nuvision Media, and how long they have dated, as they kept their relationship off media. 

They exchanged vows at about 1pm, against the rustic and serene grounds in the shadow of Mt Kenya.

The theme was white with a touch of gold. The elegant white walkway led to the high table, where the couple was wedded in the presence of a few friends and family.

Phones were confiscated

Security men dressed in black made rounds to ensure no photo was taken.

The facility’s employees were under strict instructions to keep their phones off. Dena’s cameramen were the only ones allowed to snap and immortalise the smiling faces and laughter that defined the event.  

“She gave instructions that nobody should come with a phone. We had to get out of the venue to take selfies. She said she did not want a fuss,” said a source who didn’t want to be named. 

A fleet of government vehicles, believed to have ferried high-profile personalities, filled the parking lot. The bridesmaids were in blue; carrying bouquets of white roses.

The best man and groomsmen dressed in grey suits and blue waistcoats. 

The blue waters of the swimming pool next to the reception area gave a beautiful contrast to the streaks of the sun around the tent, where guests sat.  

Ululations and joyful cheers were heard after the two exchanged rings and kissed.

Shortly after, friends and relatives joined the newlyweds for a photoshoot at the same venue. 

So discreet was the planning that insiders at Ol Pejeta said by yesterday morning, they were not aware whose wedding it was.

They had previously been told that the President and other top government officials will attend a wedding, but the names of the bride and groom were deliberately left out.

Citizen TV anchors Lulu Hassan, her husband Rashid Abdalla and Waihiga Mwaura were among the invited guests.

Sources told Sunday Standard that the bride and a few guests jetted in on Friday and spent the night at the high-end facility.

“Some of the guests flew in on Saturday morning, but I’m not sure if there were any senior state officials,” said another source at the facility.

Nick Mararo.

Dena once shared a moving tale of how she got pregnant after high school and contemplated giving up the baby for adoption before her mother offered to help bring her up. The baby died a few months later.

Later, she was involved in another relationship and got a son. Dena recently shared on social media that even though she is separated with the father of her 11-year-old son, they are co-parenting.