Musician Kevin Bahati and his wife, content creator Diana Marua, have told fans and journalists that their much-talked-about wedding on November 6 will be off limits to cameras. In a notice posted on their social media pages on Thursday, the couple said no media, cameras or live-streaming would be allowed at the ceremony, adding the line "Get the invite or get locked out."

The ban has become one of the most debated celebrity topics online this week. It comes from a couple whose family life, relationship milestones and skits have been the backbone of a large YouTube and Instagram following for years.

A wedding to mark a decade together

Bahati announced the wedding on October 7, saying it would mark ten years since the two got together. Rather than giving his wife ten gifts for the anniversary, he said, he had decided to make their union official. Diana replied by thanking him for "finally making this decision", according to posts quoted by K24 Digital and TV47.

The couple said only about 100 guests would attend. That small number, and the price attached to some invitations, has kept the event in the headlines for weeks.

The Sh1 million invitation cards

Reports by Pulse Kenya and other outlets say a premium "Diamond" invitation card is priced at Sh1 million. Over the past fortnight the couple have posted videos of themselves delivering cards to well-known personalities. They include televangelist Rev Lucy Natasha, who hosted them at her home. Pulse also reported that a content creator filmed a card being presented to Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, although the clip does not show whether he paid. When asked about money, the CS laughed it off.

Diana and Bahati have not named the venue.

What the ban means

Under the notice, the press will not be allowed to cover the event. Guests will also be expected not to record or stream the ceremony. TV47 noted that fans will still be able to follow the build-up online, but the ceremony itself will be private. Neither outlet could say whether the couple plan to release their own photos and videos afterwards. The couple earn a living from their content.

Online reaction has been split:

  • Some fans say a couple who have shared almost every part of their lives deserve one private day.
  • Others see the "locked out" message as part of the marketing that has surrounded the invitations from the start.

Either way, November 6 is now one of the most anticipated dates on the Kenyan showbiz calendar, even if most Kenyans will only hear about it second-hand.

Photos: Mpasho; K24 Digital. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.