Just hours after Sean Andrew, grandson of the late President Mwai Kibaki, sent social media into a frenzy with what appeared to be a romantic proposal post, he clarified that the moment wasn’t what many assumed.
Earlier, Sean had shared a stunning image of an 11-karat amethyst ring on the hand of his partner, Dr. Ashli Knöchel, captioning it with poetic words that led many to believe he had popped the question:
.”This is what Kenyan luxury looks like. From our soil. From our hands. Forever.”
The comments section quickly filled with congratulations and celebration, with fans raising a toast to what seemed like a high-profile engagement.But later, Sean took to his stories to clarify: there was no proposal, the ring was simply a special gift. Whether the ring was symbolic of a future commitment or simply a grand gesture of love, the moment highlighted the deep connection between Sean and Ashli.
The couple first met at a Nairobi restaurant, where Ashli , a PhD holder in Applied Behavioral Analysis and founder of Africare ABA, struck up a conversation with Sean. Since then, they’ve not only built a strong relationship but also a shared mission through their autism-focused therapy work in Kenya.Sean, known for being intensely private about his personal life, has often been vocal about the values of intention, meaning, and legacy, values reflected in his choice of a ring crafted from Kenyan stone and gold.
Even without a proposal, the gesture itself stirred admiration for its thoughtfulness and symbolism.Whether wedding bells are around the corner or not, one thing is clear: this is a love rooted in respect, purpose, and pride in Kenyan excellence.
