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A couple from Kilifi County on Tuesday, February 14, celebrated their first Valentine's Day as husband and wife.
It was, however, their 11th Valentine's Day as lovebirds, having dated for ten years before finally tying the knot in December 2022.
Thirty-one-year-old Amani Gambo, who hails from Chonyi in Kilifi County, started dating his 28-year-old wife, Ellen Gambo, officially in 2012.
Before that, they had known each other during their late-teenage days. Ellen was 16 years old at the time, while Amani was 19 years old.
"In 2010, I had gone to Ellen's school, where I had been sent to represent my cousin's parents during a meeting. I saw her, and instantly liked her," Amani told The Standard.
At the time, Ellen was a Class Seven pupil, while Amani was in Form Three, a typical adolescent love story.
"She had nice hair, radiant face and beautiful eyes. I was hoping she reciprocates what I was feeling for her, and allow me be the man of her life later into adulthood," Amani said, reminiscing on their puppy love days.
"I was young, but I knew Ellen was the one," he added.
The two kept in touch through their respective parents' and siblings' phones.
"I was in love, she was in love, but we had to wait until we were of age to inform our relatives about the relationship," said Amani.
Ellen said she wasn't sure that the relationship would proceed all the way to marriage.
"Amani and I grew up in different neighbourhoods, attended different schools, and led different lives. I was skeptical that our paths would cross after that chance meeting at my primary school in 2010," she said.
"He, however, purposed to keep in touch, including during college days," added Ellen.
Asked on what has been the secret to their long-lasting relationship, Ellen said: "I've never subjected him to financial pressure. I've never asked him to send me cash 'urgently'. He gave me money when he felt he needed to."
Amani works as a credit officer in Kilifi, while Ellen sells clothes and shoes, also in Kilifi County.
"We were intentional with the relationship. Both of us wanted it to work. We learnt about each other's strengths and weaknesses, and committed to making the relationship a success," said Ellen.
The 28-year-old said her husband is her Number One protector, who "loves me unconditionally".
"It was worth it falling in love with him," she said.
On his part, Amani said he looks forward to having "many children" with Ellen.
