The Spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi this morning witnessed the wedding of two reformed addicts under her community-based rehabilitation program in Kiambu County. The color ceremony was held at PCEA Raiyani Church in Githunguri, Kiambu County. The couple, Simon Kihara and Fidelis Njeri have successfully completed the rehabilitation program after years of addiction into alcoholism, drugs and substance abuse.
Njeri was a peddler before taking the bold step to reform while Simon was an addict of alcoholism and other forms of drug’s abuse. Speaking during the ceremony Pastor Dorcas congratulated them urging them to be examples to others under the rehabilitation program.
“I have attended hundreds of wedding ceremonies in my life, but this is one of the greatest and most unique weddings I am attending. It is a great honor to be a part of this special moment in your lives. Today, we celebrate not only your union but also the triumph of rehabilitation in our community. “She said.
Pastor Dorcas said the wedding, which is the first under the program, was one of what she had predicted when she started the war against alcoholism, drugs and substance abuse in the country and an indication that the community-based rehabilitation was bearing fruits.
The transformation that has taken place on the two love birds made their parents shed tears as they witnessed them exchanging vows of marriage.
Pastor Dorcas said such moves are aimed at encouraging strong family values as the basic unit of a society and the nation.
“With strong families we have a better nation and a brighter society for all of us. Marriage is a sacred bond, and the blessing of a family is a gift from God. The union of Fidellis and Simon holds great significance for our nation. The family unit is the dot that makes our communities and nations. “Pastor Dorcas said.
“With strong families, we have better societies and a brighter future for us all. What we are witnessing here today with Fidellis and Simon is like a town built on a hill. It cannot be hidden. I encourage you to remain true to your family and true to each other. “She added.
She called on the society to embrace those who have been rehabilitated back into the society. She also urged the society to embrace community-based rehabilitation while calling on those in addiction to take up the rehabilitation programs.
“Today is also a reminder that the community-based rehabilitation programs under several initiatives including my office require support to bear fruits. Making close reference to Fidellis and Simon who stand before us today, as living proof that rehabilitation works. This means there is a greater need than ever before to build synergy among various players and the community as well as the church for the common good. “She said.
The two invited Pastor Dorcas for their wedding when she launched a medical camp aimed at rehabilitating the boy-child in Kiambaa Kiambu County early this year.
The wedding was presided over by Rev.Winne Ndung’u who has also been part of the rehabilitation program. On his part Moderator Joseph Gachue faulted the recent court declaration that Muratina is not an illicit drink.
The community-based rehabilitation program has been running under the office of the spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi in collaboration with religious bodies, NACADA and other community-based organizations. In Kiambu County it has been under the leadership of NACADA Director Rev. Fredrick Ngugi. Several youth areas under rehabilitation programs under the office of the Spouse of the Deputy President program across the country.
