Nameless and Wahu: 19 years strong

If there is a love story that is retold every time there are conversations about lasting unions in the fickle world of celeb marriages, it is that of David ‘Nameless’ Mathenge and Wahu Kagwi.

The ‘OGs’ who have followed the tale may have clear memories of that boat ride that brought Wahu, as a fresh-faced bride to meet her beau across a lake and exchange vows on September 10 2005.

They were dressed in traditional African attire, beaming with that evident overflowing happiness.

Nameless looked tall and slim, with chin-length locs, and Wahu was a pretty vision with her hair sleeked up in a ponytail.

“In the showbiz business it was rare to hear that wasanii wamefanya harusi, na kwanza ni wasanii wawili (two artistes have gotten married),” veteran singer Mr Lenny said on episode 1 of the couple’s Reality TV show, This Love.

While reflecting on the special day years ago, Wahu said: “The idea that I should come by boat was his… I was like, si I can just walk, and he said if you fall into the lake I’ll just run in with you!’ He wanted me to arrive in style.”

Disagreements

Many long-term couples go through their ups and downs, and it is widely known that longevity comes with compromise, empathy and determination to make it through the odds.

Nameless and Wahu once spoke about their first argument, and today, they can laugh about it.

“I still remember that grey carpet!” Wahu told Samantha Bridal in an interview.

“It was such a big issue for me. He had his place and I had mine at the time. My place was very colourful, and his was guy-ish- all greys, blacks and whites. I was okay with it before we got married, because I could still go back to my space.”

But once they tied the knot and moved in together, their home décor became a point of contention, bringing friction between the lovebirds.

Wahu wanted the grey carpet gone, same for a television set she didn’t like, and Nameless disagreed.

“I told her, ‘listen, we have just come form a wedding, it has drained us. I hear you, give it some time we recover then we’ll change’. But she wants it now.”

As they told the story, you could tell that it was all water under the bridge, and perhaps a sign that the couple have learnt through the years to let go of disputes as soon as they are resolved.

While marking their anniversary last year, the couple opened up in a joint statement about how they navigate trying times in their marriage.

“We can’t help but reflect with gratitude on a journey of great highs and lows, memorable joys and unfortunate pains that we have shared together. We have fought and made up, we’ve had misunderstandings but always strived to understand each other over the years,” their statement read.

19 years strong

Through the years, the Mathenge’s union has been filled with, not just musical collaborations, but also collaborations in making adorable babies.

The pair has 3 children, and welcomed their last born just last year.

While marking 19 years, the couple shared heartwarming messages on their social media pages.

“To my best friend, my love, and partner for life! May we keep growing and learning together! Happy anniversary Babe! Love you always & forever,” Nameless wrote.

He added: Here’s to many more! And to our online fam, thank you for always showing us love and being part of our journey.”