As many residents and visitors to Mombasa were busy with last-minute preparations for the Christmas festivities on Saturday, some streets were suddenly brought to a standstill.
An entourage of vehicles signified the presence of a powerful person in town, probably the Head of State, though no information had been available publicly concerning his planned visit to the port city.
The star-studded wedding ceremony of Zakir Khosla and his bride in Mombasa on December 21, 2024
Photo credit: Pool
Besides this, another entourage of high-end vehicles heading towards the same direction did not go unnoticed.
It later emerged that President William Ruto was gracing the lavish wedding of Zakir Khosla, the son of prominent Mombasa businessman Imran Khosla.
President William Ruto and other leaders at the wedding of Zakir Khosla, son of prominent and wealthy Mombasa businessman Imran Khosla, on December 21, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
There was a grand display of wealth, power, and influence at the private wedding that was also attended by Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Diamond Platinumz.
Dr Ruto attended the Arabic-themed wedding, which coincided with his birthday and the First Family’s wedding anniversary.
First Lady Rachel Ruto took to X, formerly Twitter, to celebrate her husband, expressing her gratitude for the President’s dedication as a husband and father. She wished him joy, health, and success in his aspirations for the nation.
“As we celebrate your special day and our wedding anniversary, I am grateful to God for the special gift you are to us. Your devotion as a husband and father is an incredible blessing to us all. May this year bring you joy, health and the fulfilment of your dreams for our beautiful country! Happy birthday, my love!” She wrote.
Back at the lavish wedding held at an undisclosed location in Mombasa, a testament to the opulence and influence of the Khosla family was unfolding.
The nuptials climaxed in breath-taking grandeur, as the groom, Zakir, exchanged vows with his bride in a traditional Muslim ceremony.
President William Ruto at the wedding of Zakir Khosla, son of prominent and wealthy Mombasa businessman Imran Khosla, on December 21, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
The event was attended by a dazzling array of high-profile guests, including Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, members of the business and political class.
The guests donned traditional Muslim kanzus, exuding elegance.
Tanzanian star Diamond electrified the atmosphere with his performance, adding a layer of allure to the star-studded event.
A viral video captured the exhilarated reactions of fans as the renowned artist entered the venue of the wedding ceremony, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration and joy.
A fleet of over 40 posh vehicles, including Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Mercedes G-Wagons, roared in with sirens blaring, showcasing wealth and status.
President William Ruto and other leaders at the wedding of Zakir Khosla, son of prominent and wealthy Mombasa businessman Imran Khosla, on December 21, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
The procession wound its way through the leafy Nyali suburb, culminating in a red carpet entrance that was nothing short of cinematic.
The stunning sight left no doubt that this was no ordinary wedding, but a confluence of power, wealth, and influence.
President Ruto’s arrival on the red carpet, alongside Zakir Khosla, was a moment steeped in allegory and elegance.
Walking side by side with the groom, the President’s presence accentuated the deep ties between the political elite and the business magnates of Kenya.
Imran, the proud father of the groom, followed closely, flanked by Governor Nassir and other distinguished guests. From the photographs and videos circulating on the internet, the event was a convergence of Kenya’s political and business powerhouses, all united in celebrating this momentous occasion.
As the day progressed, the President’s dual role both as a guest of honour and a birthday celebrant quickly unfolded, taking centre stage.
In a heartwarming moment captured on video, the President was presented with a cake by three elegantly dressed women.
President William Ruto (centre), Environment CS Aden Duale (left) and other leaders arrive at the wedding of Zakir Khosla, son of prominent and wealthy Mombasa businessman Imran Khosla, on December 21, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
Each of them fed him a piece of cake as the melodious Happy Birthday song, originally performed by another Tanzanian artist, Harmonize, filled the air.
The President’s cheerful dance to the music further brightened the atmosphere, showcasing his joyful and human moments, away from the political bickering that characterises his daily life.
Imran Khosla's family seized the chance to mingle freely with the President, capturing numerous photographs that immortalised the joyous occasion, without the interference of hawk-eyed security that would normally have provided a buffer against any intruder. They, however, observed intently from a short distance.
The delighted President, while congratulating the newlyweds, urged parents to intentionally instil moral values in their children to help combat rising crime and social ills in society.
“Finger-pointing and blame games will not address issues such as femicide and drug trafficking. The government cannot assume the role of parents in shaping the moral character of children,” he said.
Dr Ruto said that while the government will provide education, healthcare and other essential services, it will also intervene to protect public interest when children stray into criminal activity.
President William Ruto (centre), Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir (right) and other leaders arrive at the wedding of Zakir Khosla, son of prominent and wealthy Mombasa businessman Imran Khosla, on December 21, 2024.
Photo credit: Pool
“We will deal firmly with criminals — those who kill others, engage in drug trafficking, femicide and other unlawful acts. The criminals are our children from our homes.
“It is our responsibility to guide them to ensure they do not become offenders,” he added.
He also called on parents to spend quality time with their children, especially during the festive season, noting that this would help deter them from engaging in criminal activities.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr Duale, a close ally of the President and another prominent figure whose attendance solidified the event’s status as a gathering of Kenya’s elite.
