Former Catholic Priest Marries Kenyan Woman In Traditional Tugen Wedding (pics & video)

Former Catholic priest Sandro Ferretto, an Italian missionary who spent more than a decade serving communities in Baringo County, Kenya, has left the priesthood and married Sharon Jepng’ok, a Tugen woman from Baringo South.

The couple formalised their union on 6 September 2026 through a traditional Koito ceremony at Seretion Village in Kasiela, the same area where Ferretto once worked as a parish priest.

The ceremony was filled with celebration as relatives, elders, local leaders and neighbours gathered to witness the union. Ferretto appeared visibly excited and completely at ease as he joined in the traditional celebrations, dancing enthusiastically and showing off his moves to the sound of local music.

At several moments, the former priest could be seen smiling broadly, energetically moving to the music alongside his bride. His joyful display captured the attention of those present, showing just how happy he appeared to be as he embraced the traditions of his new family.

Ferretto, now in his mid-fifties, was ordained for the Diocese of Padua in Italy. He arrived in Kenya around 2008 and served in Kasiela and Mochongoi under the Diocese of Nyahururu.

During his years in Kenya, he became known for pastoral work, youth programmes and community projects among both Kikuyu and Kalenjin families. He returned to Italy around 2019–2020 and later led a group of parishes near Padua.

In late 2023, Ferretto stepped back from active ministry for a period of reflection. He has since returned to Kenya and chosen a different path centred on marriage and family life.

Under Catholic teaching, Latin-rite priests commit to celibacy, and those who wish to marry generally need to obtain formal release from the clerical state. Ferretto’s decision to leave the priesthood and marry follows that path.

His wedding attracted attention not only because of his former position as a Catholic priest, but also because of the way he openly embraced the traditions of his bride’s community.

The sight of an Italian-born former missionary dancing joyfully beside his Kenyan bride during a traditional Tugen ceremony offered a striking contrast to the life Ferretto once lived.

After spending years serving the community as a priest, the man who once arrived in Baringo as a missionary has now become part of a Tugen family — publicly celebrating his new chapter in the same community where he once served.