- Mzee Musa Atellah Abonyo, father to KMPDU boss Davji Atellah, was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony in Homa Bay
- The late Abonyo spent decades in the construction industry, later establishing his own company that supported young people
- He battled prostate cancer, diabetes and hypertension in his final years, before his sudden passing
- Family tributes painted him as a wise, supportive figure whose sacrifices shaped the futures of his children and community
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Homa Bay: A heavy silence settled over Kowuor village in Rachuonyo North as family, friends and dignitaries gathered to bid farewell to Mzee Musa Atellah Abonyo.
Source: Facebook
Mzee Abonyo, father to KMPDU Secretary General Davji Atellah, was honoured in an emotional ceremony attended by leaders such as Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja, Health PS Ouma Oluga, and longtime Raila Odinga ally Oketch Salah among other notable guests.
Life and times of Mzee Musa Atellah Abonyo
Born in January 1949, the 77 year old began his life in the construction industry, working in several towns including Kisii, Awendo, Kisumu and Nairobi.
He spent many years with the Indian owned Davji Bhimji Construction Company Ltd, and the bond he formed there inspired him to name his son Davji Bhimji.
After gaining experience, he founded Lantana Camara Construction Ltd, becoming a subcontractor for the same company he had worked with for years.
Through his firm, he trained and provided employment to many young people from Kowuor village, Gem Asumbi and even Nairobi’s Kibera community.
Mzee Abonyo was a family man, married to two wives with whom he had fifteen children and thirty five grandchildren.
He was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2019 and continued to receive treatment until his final hospital visit in October.
He was also managing diabetes and hypertension. On the day he died, he complained of severe stomach pain around mid morning and was rushed to Kendu Adventist Hospital in Gendia, where he was attended to by doctors. He passed away that evening.
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How did Davji Atellah eulogise his father?
In his emotional tribute, Davji Atellah described his father as a man of style, a first friend and a calm thinker who often understood situations even before hearing the full story.
He said his father stood with him through every difficult moment and always offered support without hesitation.
“He was a man of nyadhi, my first friend and master planner. A wise man who knew the truth of something before you could even tell him the facts or what happened,” Atellah said.
Atellah also reflected on their years living in Kibera, recalling the many hardships the family faced and the sacrifices his father made to keep them going.
He further shared the story behind his Indian name, which came from the construction company his father worked for during his early life.
Mzee Musa Atellah Abonyo leaves behind a legacy of resilience, generosity and commitment to community upliftment.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
