In a heartwarming yet bittersweet turn of events, the world mourns the passing of Mzee Johanna Butuuk, a 101-year-old Kenyan man whose extraordinary love story captured global attention. Mzee Johanna, who made headlines in 2023 for marrying for the first time at the age of 99, passed away peacefully in his sleep just days before October 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and an inspiring zest for life. His union with Alice Jepkorir, a woman 59 years his junior, became a viral sensation, not only for its uniqueness but also for the profound lessons it offered about love transcending age, societal norms, and expectations.
Mzee Johanna’s journey to matrimony was nothing short of remarkable. Born in 1924 in Soy, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, he lived through a century of monumental changes, from colonial rule to Kenya’s independence and beyond. Yet, despite his long life, Mzee Johanna had never experienced the bonds of marriage until January 14, 2023, when he exchanged vows with Alice Jepkorir in a vibrant and joyous wedding ceremony. The couple’s love story, which spanned two decades of courtship, culminated in a celebration that drew the attention of both local and international media, as well as the admiration of their community.
The wedding, held in the couple’s home compound in Soy, was a colorful affair presided over by Catholic priests, a testament to the significance of the occasion. Family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to witness the union of Mzee Johanna, then 99, and Alice, who was 40 at the time. The ceremony was filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt moments, as the community celebrated the centenarian’s decision to embrace love in his twilight years. According to Sally Chepkoech, a family member who spoke to TUKO.co.ke on October 6, 2025, Mzee Johanna’s passing was peaceful, with no signs of ill health. “He died in his sleep,” Sally shared, reflecting on the quiet dignity with which he departed.
Mzee Johanna’s decision to marry at such an advanced age was spurred by a heartfelt desire for companionship. Sally Chepkoech, a relative who played a pivotal role in the couple’s union, recounted how Mzee Johanna had watched his nieces and nephews marry and build their own families, leaving him to ponder who would care for him in his old age. “He has never been married before, and so when we, his nieces and nephews, got married, he asked us who would take care of him because we were all married and away,” Sally explained in 2023. Moved by his loneliness, the family took it upon themselves to find a suitable partner for him. After careful consideration, they introduced him to Alice Jepkorir, a woman whose warmth and kindness would soon capture his heart.
Alice, a single mother at the time, brought her own unique perspective to the relationship. Having faced challenges in previous relationships, she found in Mzee Johanna a partner who offered stability, kindness, and unwavering support. In an interview following their wedding, Alice shared her reasons for choosing Mzee Johanna over younger suitors. “I love him so much because he is an unproblematic man, unlike those young men who get drunk and beat up their wives,” she said. “Even the previous man who impregnated me never helped me at all. This man helps me pay school fees and take care of my children.” Her words painted a picture of a man whose gentle demeanor and generosity made him an ideal partner, despite the significant age gap.
The couple’s relationship was built on mutual respect and shared values. Mzee Johanna, despite his advanced age, remained active and engaged in his community, earning the respect of those around him. His decision to marry was not only a personal milestone but also a powerful statement about the human need for connection at any stage of life. Alice, for her part, embraced her role as his wife with grace and dedication, proving that love could thrive in the most unexpected circumstances. Their 20-year courtship, which began when Alice was just 20 years old, was a testament to the patience and commitment that defined their bond.
The wedding itself was a spectacle of joy and unity. The Catholic priests who officiated the ceremony brought a sense of solemnity to the occasion, while the vibrant decorations and lively music reflected the community’s enthusiasm. Sally Chepkoech described the event as a “big wedding ceremony,” noting the presence of priests who traveled to their home to bless the union. The images of Mzee Johanna, dressed in a suit and beaming with pride, alongside Alice, radiant in her wedding attire, became iconic, symbolizing the triumph of love over societal conventions.
In the two years following their marriage, Mzee Johanna and Alice lived a quiet but fulfilling life together. Mzee Johanna continued to embody the resilience that had carried him through a century of life, while Alice remained a devoted partner, caring for him and her children with equal dedication. Their story resonated with people around the world, inspiring countless others to believe in the possibility of love at any age. Social media platforms, including X, buzzed with messages of admiration for the couple, with many users sharing their wedding photos and expressing awe at Mzee Johanna’s vitality and Alice’s devotion.
Mzee Johanna’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, but his legacy endures through the love he shared with Alice and the inspiration he provided to others. His life, which spanned over a century, was a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. For Alice, the loss of her husband is undoubtedly profound, but the memories of their time together will remain a source of comfort and strength. The couple’s story serves as a reminder that love knows no boundaries—not age, not time, nor societal expectations.
As the community in Soy mourns Mzee Johanna’s passing, they also celebrate the life he lived and the love he found. His story, which captivated hearts across Kenya and beyond, will continue to inspire generations to come. It is a tale of hope, of second chances, and of the enduring human spirit that seeks connection and meaning, even in the face of life’s inevitable end. Mzee Johanna Butuuk may have left this world, but the love he shared with Alice Jepkorir will forever remain a beacon of light, proving that it is never too late to find happiness.
