In a love story that reverberated across the globe, a scandal unfolded when Ruth Holloway, a white British missionary, fell in love with John Kimuyu, a black Kenyan man, at a “blind institute” in 1957. When they announced their intention to marry, Ruth faced severe consequences, losing her job as a result.
Now, their daughter Ndinda Kimuyu is penning a book that delves into her mother’s life story, recounting the events of a time when their love sparked controversy. The backdrop of their love story was set against the tumultuous period of Kenya’s fight for independence from British colonial rule, with the Kenya Land and Freedom Army, known as the Mau Mau, leading the charge.
Facing a dangerous environment, Ruth Holloway booked a boat to the UK to inform her bosses and parents, only to encounter backlash upon her return. Ndinda shared with the BBC that her mother, undeterred, bought a wedding ring, baked it in a cake, and smuggled it back to Kenya by ship.
The couple’s wedding became a focal point of controversy, as Ruth was believed to be the first white European to marry a black Kenyan. The unfolding narrative captures a love story that defied societal norms and challenged racial boundaries during a pivotal period in history.