An Italian Catholic priest, Sandro Ferretto, 55, has left the priesthood and married Kenyan woman Sharon Jepng’ok in a traditional Koito ceremony in Baringo County.
The couple tied the knot on September 6 at Seretion village, Kasiela, where Ferretto served as a Catholic parish priest for 12 years. The ceremony, attended by relatives, elders, local leaders and Jepng’ok’s colleagues, involved dowry talks and family blessings.
Ferretto, who was ordained in Italy’s Diocese of Padua, began missionary work in Kenya in 2008, serving Kasiela and Mochongoi under the Diocese of Nyahururu. Locals knew him as “Father Sandro.”
He returned to Italy in December 2020 and later led eight churches in Saletto, Borgo Veneto. In December 2023, he suddenly left the role after a final Mass.
The Diocese of Padua said Ferretto “remains a priest and is not involved in any controversy,” describing his departure as a requested pause from pastoral duties. He later volunteered with a migrant support group in Padua.
Ferretto eventually returned to Kenya and reunited with Jepng’ok, whom he met during his missionary years.
Under Catholic canon law, Latin Rite priests must remain celibate. Marriage requires laicisation and a dispensation from the celibacy vow.
Neither Diocese has commented on the marriage. Photos and videos show the couple in matching orange-and-blue traditional outfits taking part in the Koito dance rites.
