By Anchor Staff Writer
The last of towering Machakos businessmen,Mzee Nason Kyuli Mbuvi has rested.He rested peacefully on May 3, 2024 at 11.00 pm.
He of the Safari Lodge fame and fabled Elliots and Broadways Bread distributor was accorded a warm and befitting final farewell at his home in Emale where he was laid to rest on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
He departs many years after his business peers- Mutisya Kinothya, Musau Mwania, Muteti Kitolo(Kiembeni), DL Mulila, Karsandas Tulshindas, Harillal Nandram(Ila), Philip Kivuvo, David Iseka(Kalimani), Jones Maingi, Philip Nzuki, Juma Mutunga, Samuel Musembi(Nzambani), Peter Maundu Munuka, Aaron Makau(T.Tot),Paul Mbole, Gideon Mbole, Gideon Kitulu, Tom Suvi, Kimatu Mbuvi, John Kiilu Mosa, Stone Kathuli Muinde,Joel Mbithi, Muindi Kitolo, Abraham Yavi Katuba(Katuba's), and Peter Mulei just to mention afew who have predeceased him. There certainly are one or two other traders who are still alive but are much younger than Mzee Kyuli, such as Jonah Malika and Samuel Kamwele.
The family of Mzee Kyuli eulogised him thus;
"Nason Kyuli was born on or around 1930 at Muthwani, Yandue location, Lower Mbooni in what was then Machakos District. He was the 4th born child to the late Mbuvi Ngui and the late Malinda Mbuvi. His siblings were the late Kavulu, the late Mativo, the late Mutua, and Kavithi. His step brothers are Mutungi, Mutune and Nzioki.
Early life
Nason was brought up within the larger Mbaa Ngui family that eventually settled in the beautiful land now known as Imale village. Later, his father, Mbuvi Ngui, moved temporarily to Kyawango, Mwala but Nason came back and lived with his uncle Mwania Ngui. His father came back and settled in this village (Kiliku) just about 500 meters from this place.
Work
Nason was enrolled in the Army where he learned to drive. Upon finishing his contracted service in the early 1950s, he returned home and joined his cousin, Musau Mwania, in business. He served as a driver and shortly moved on to greener pastures still as a driver at Akamba Bus Service where his cousin was a director.
While serving at Akamba Bus, his business mindset lead him to team up with his brothers, the late Mutua and Kavithi to set up a shop at Tawa Market which was run by the two brothers as he continued his driving career.
Nason later joined his brothers in running the business which quickly expanded with the late Mutua moving to Tala Market and Kavithi to Kangundo Market. Kavithi is still in Kangundo todate.
As the country attained independence, Nason, Musau and the lthau family grabbed the new opportunities which were coming up at Machakos town.
First Africans
They started and were among the first Africans to operate wholesale and distributorship shops in the town. Nason managed the enterprise until 1970 when he went solo after acquiring his own business premises in what is now lkuuni Hotel in Machakos Town.
He also started a Hotel (Safari Lodge) and his signature business in bread distributorship. He started distributing the famous Elliots brand and later became a leading distributor of Broadways Bread to this day.
Family
Nason was married to the late Beatrice Muvya, Ruth Syomwai and the late Elizabeth Kalekye.
Together they were blessed with 12 children namely Kimatu, Syombua, Muthike, Malinda, Mutheu, late Musyoka, Jogoo, late Mukonyo, Wavinya, Kaluki, Juma, and late Nora. He was father in-law to Miriam, Terry, Zipporah, Miriam, late Josphat Kakuli, Mwanzia Kawasya, late Simon, late Nzioki Mulei, late Christine.
Nason was also father to Mutuku, Wambua, Alex, Mbula, Mbinya and Mulei.
He was further blessed with 36 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 1(one) great, great grandchild.
Christian Life
Nason was a devout Christian and a faithful member of the African Brotherhood Church(ABC). He and his family participated in church affairs both at home and in Machakos.
Nason, though well endowed was led of God to live a simple life. A man, not of many words but a very good listener. His was a Christ-led character that earned him lots of friends of all walks of life who he respected and had time for.
Illness and demise
Mzee Kyuli enjoyed a robust health till old age caught up with him.He started enduring age related complications about 9 years ago.He battled with old age heath conditions for all that period under the care of his son Mutyango (Juma) till his demise.
Nau, we loved you and we will continue to love you. We know you have rested in the Lord and we are certain that we will meet you again in heaven. You will be dearly missed by all.
Psalms 147: 3. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Juma's outstanding care of his father drew him accolades from family members.The family also thanked the various doctors who tirelessly attended to him during his illness. The family also appreciated Gregory Kyalo and David Mbuvi who were his caregivers.
Editor's Note:
The list in this story is not exhaustive.The Anchor is open to reader comments or write-ups that could enrich this historical perspective of these unsung departed heroes.
