President William Ruto surprised guests at the colourful wedding of Michael Budamba Mudavadi, son of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, when he openly encouraged Kenyan youth to marry as early as 25 years old and take up family responsibilities. The head of state made the remarks during the reception held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking immediately after the couple exchanged vows at All Saints Cathedral, President Ruto shared his personal story to drive the point home. “I got married to Rachel when I was only 25 years old. Today people say 25 is too young, but I want to encourage our young men to get married early and become responsible members of society,” he told the gathering of senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders.
The President’s comments at the Mudavadi son Budamba wedding quickly went viral on social media, with clips of the short speech attracting thousands of reactions within hours. Many young Kenyans praised the message as practical advice, while others joked that economic hardship now makes early marriage feel impossible for most graduates.
First Lady Rachel Ruto, who sat beside her husband throughout the event, smiled broadly as the President recounted their own love story from the early 1990s. The couple celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary last month, often citing their early union as the foundation of their strong family values.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi thanked President Ruto for honouring the invitation and for the fatherly counsel to his son and new daughter-in-law. “Your Excellency has been more than a boss to me. You are family. We receive this advice with both hands,” Mudavadi said while welcoming the President to speak.
The glamorous Mudavadi son Budamba wedding brought together political heavyweights from across the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The newlyweds, Michael Budamba and his bride Trish Maina, met while studying at Strathmore University and dated for five years before getting engaged in Mauritius early this year. The couple requested guests to channel monetary gifts toward a charity supporting bright needy students in Vihiga County instead of traditional wedding cards.
Entertainment at the reception included performances by renowned gospel artists, while comedians kept guests laughing between speeches. The three-tier wedding cake, baked by a local Nakuru company, stood over six feet tall and featured intricate sugar flowers in the national colours.
President Ruto concluded his remarks by praying for the young couple and urging the youth to shun prolonged dating and cohabitation. “Marriage stabilises a man. When you have a wife and children waiting at home, you work harder and avoid many mistakes,” he said, drawing loud applause from the older generation present.
As the Mudavadi son Budamba’s wedding entered the dancing session late into the night, many young professionals in attendance were overheard debating whether early marriage is still realistic given the current cost of living and housing challenges in urban centres.
The high-profile event once again showcased the close working relationship between President Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, with analysts noting that such family celebrations continue to strengthen political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.
For now, the President’s advice at the Mudavadi son Budamba wedding has sparked a fresh national conversation about marriage age, financial readiness, and the changing attitudes of Kenya’s Gen-Z population toward long-term commitment.
