‘You’ll go to heaven,’ Onyonka tells newlywed senator Chesang

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka sparked light-hearted moments in the Senate after he declared that Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang “will go to heaven” for getting married.

The remark came during plenary proceedings as lawmakers congratulated Chesang, who recently tied the knot with Chanelle Kittony in a colourful traditional ceremony.

Onyonka took a moment to publicly celebrate his colleague, describing him as a friend and “young brother,” and apologised for missing the wedding due to being out of the country.

He said he had brought a gift for the newlyweds on behalf of Kisii County.

“With a lot of humility, I want to say that I congratulate my friend and my young brother Allan, the Trans Nzoia Senator,” Onyonka said.

“I was unable to attend your wedding because I was out of the country, but I have a present for you from Kisii County. It is for you and Madam.”

He then added, to the amusement of the House: “I want to congratulate you for joining the club of those who might end up in heaven.”

Chesang and Chanelle held their traditional wedding in an elegant ceremony themed in lilac with touches of cream.

The event drew a long list of high-profile guests, including President William Ruto, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Senator Ledama ole Kina, nominated Senator Karen Nyamu and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

During the ceremony, Ruto used his address to deliver a candid message to young Kenyans about love, responsibility, and the pressures of modern social culture.

He warned that a growing trend among youth to avoid long-term commitment in favour of what he described as “fashionable lifestyles” was misleading and destructive.

“I want to encourage young people that it is good to get married. Many people are running away from responsibility, thinking that it is fashionable — it is not,” Ruto said.

“Many young men want to enjoy life but don’t want responsibility. If you are man enough, marry the woman you love. Stop wasting people’s time.”

The President said relationships should not be treated as short-term entertainment, pointing out that emotional investment should be respected. He urged young men and women to embrace maturity, build families, and commit to meaningful partnerships.

Ruto also raised concern over rising substance abuse among youth, warning that alcohol and drug use are destroying lives and potential.

“The country is losing many young boys and girls to alcohol and drugs. There is nothing good in spending your youth on things that do not add value to your life,” he cautioned.

He called on parents, mentors, and faith leaders to intensify efforts in guiding young people, saying the responsibility to shape Kenya’s next generation must be shared across society.