An Italian-born former Catholic priest has left the priesthood and married a Kenyan woman he met during his missionary work.
Father Sandro Ferretto previously served Catholic communities in Kasiela and Mochongoi, Baringo County.
It was during his years in Kenya that Ferretto reportedly met Sharon Jepng’ok, a Tugen woman.
Their relationship later grew, leading Ferretto to leave the priesthood and begin a new life with her.
The former priest eventually married Jepng’ok through a traditional Koito ceremony in Baringo South.
The colourful ceremony took place at Seretion Village, Kasiela, on Sunday, September 6.
Family members, elders, friends and community leaders gathered to celebrate the couple’s union.
The former Catholic priest marriage has attracted attention because of Ferretto’s previous role in the church.
His years of missionary work had also made him familiar with the Kenyan community where he eventually found his partner.
The Koito ceremony is a Kalenjin traditional marriage process involving families and elders.
It can include discussions between families, dowry arrangements and blessings for the couple.
Ferretto’s decision also raises questions about the Catholic Church’s rules concerning priests and marriage.
Under Latin Catholic canon law, priests are generally expected to remain celibate while serving in sacred orders.
Canon 277 §1 states that clerics must observe “perfect and perpetual continence” and remain committed to celibacy.
Canon 1087 also states that those in sacred orders cannot validly attempt marriage.
A priest seeking marriage must therefore follow the church’s required process concerning clerical status and celibacy.
For Ferretto, his new chapter also continues a connection with the Kenyan community that began during his years of service.
