By Andrew Mbuva.
Emotional appeals for justice and compensation dominated the burial of prominent Makindu businessman and founder of Makindu Motors Limited, Stephen Ngei Musyoka, and his wife, Giannaphina Mumbua Ngei, as family members and political leaders demanded the recovery of KSh180 million allegedly lost in a fraudulent tender scheme linked to the former Office of the Deputy President.
The couple was laid to rest at their Makindu home on Friday, bringing together political leaders, business associates and hundreds of mourners from across Ukambani and beyond.
Ngei and his wife died in a tragic road accident at Kiboko along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, an incident that shocked residents and the business community owing to the businessman’s longstanding contribution to the region’s economy.
During the burial ceremony, Ngei’s son, Alex Ngei, made an emotional plea to Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, urging him to intervene and engage President William Ruto over the disputed KSh180 million.
“Mr. MP Mwengi, please talk to your friend, the President. The KSh180 million owed to my father should be returned. It caused him a lot of stress and caused our family immense suffering,” Alex said.
He recounted the difficult moments his father endured following the loss, saying the businessman lived under immense pressure.
“It was a dreadful situation seeing my father wearing a wig just to escape the police,” he said.
The late businessman had previously claimed that he lost KSh180 million through a fake government tender during the period when President Ruto served as Deputy President. The matter has remained a subject of public debate and legal proceedings.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse described Ngei as a close friend, mentor and advisor whose guidance had greatly influenced his leadership journey.
“As your Member of Parliament, I have lost a friend. I have lost a person who advised me and guided me in leadership,” Mutuse said.
He praised the businessman’s contribution to the local economy, saying Makindu Motors had touched the lives of millions of people through employment and economic opportunities.
“The people Makindu Motors has touched are many, perhaps even more than those assisted by government programmes in this region,” he said.
Mutuse acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding the alleged loss of the KSh180 million were well known.
“It is no secret that conmen, some from our region and others from Nairobi, swindled our brother of his money. They took his hard-earned money through fake tenders,” he said.
While noting that the matter is currently before the courts, the legislator insisted that justice must prevail.
“I understand the matter is in court and there was a hearing today. Since it is before the court, we cannot discuss it politically. However, as Alex has said, we must ensure justice is served,” Mutuse stated.
He further argued that the amount recoverable should include accrued interest.
“Not only should the KSh180 million be recovered, but also the interest because had he invested that money in business, it could now be worth nearly KSh300 million,” he said.
Mutuse also issued a warning to individuals he claimed had benefited from the alleged fraud.
“Those conmen hiding behind politics know themselves. Whether you are a senator or seeking any political office, if you stole Ngei’s money, we shall pursue you until you return it,” he declared.
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana conveyed his condolences to the family and urged Ngei’s children to remain strong despite the painful loss.
“This is a huge tragedy, especially for the young children left behind. Healing will take time because of the suddenness of this loss,” Kibwana said.
He encouraged the family to uphold the legacy established by their parents.
“You must step into the shoes of your parents and continue the work they began,” he told the children.
Stephen Ngei was widely regarded as one of Ukambani’s leading businessmen and a major investor in the transport sector through Makindu Motors Limited. His death, together with that of his wife, has left a significant void in both the business community and the region.
As the family begins the difficult journey of mourning, calls for the recovery of the disputed KSh180 million continue to gain momentum, with leaders insisting that the businessman’s quest for justice should not end with his death.
