Joseph Ouma, a businessman from Kisii Town, Kenya, was in a serious relationship with Mary Atieno, a soft-spoken tailor from Bondo, Siaya County, for three years. They met at a cousin’s wedding in Ahero, and from the moment they crossed paths, Joseph believed she was the one he would marry. Mary had won over his family with her respect and kindness. She regularly attended church with him at Kisii Central SDA and often spoke of their future together. To everyone who knew them, she was undoubtedly his future wife.
After multiple discussions between their families, Joseph paid the full dowry. Cows were delivered to Mary’s parents in Nyawita Village, Bondo, and elders gave their blessings with loud cheers and ululations. With everything falling into place, Joseph booked the church, printed the invitations, and secured the non-refundable deposit for their reception at Kisii Guest House. The wedding date was set for October, and Joseph’s mother, Agnes Ouma, already referred to Mary as her daughter-in-law. He felt proud, assured, and confident about his decision. There were no signs of anything being amiss.
But as the wedding date drew closer, Mary began to distance herself. She claimed to be overwhelmed with work and wedding stress. At times, she wouldn’t pick up his calls and would only send brief replies hours later. Joseph dismissed these signs, convinced that love often clouded judgment. Then, one Friday evening, Mary told him she was staying late at work in Kisumu to finish urgent orders. Though he felt a bit uneasy, Joseph ignored the feeling. Wanting to surprise her, he decided to drive from Kisii to Kisumu that night.
Before confronting her, Joseph remembered a piece of advice given by an old friend during a difficult time in his life. He pulled over near Awasi, where he made a call that would change everything. That phone call turned out to be the first conversation that exposed the.To read more, tap here
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