Stephen Ngei and his wife, Giannaphina Mumbua/KALONZO/XWiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed sorrow over the deaths of Makindu Motors Limited proprietor Stephen Ngei and his wife Giannaphina Mumbua, who died in a road accident along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway.
In his condolence message, Kalonzo said he received the news with profound sorrow and a heavy heart.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the devastating news of the passing of my dear friend, Stephen Ngei, and his beloved wife, Giannaphina Mumbua, following a tragic road accident at Masimba along the Nairobi Mombasa Highway.
Kalonzo said Stephen embodied the true spirit of a self-made entrepreneur.
"Rising from humble beginnings as a second-hand clothes hawker, he went on to build Makindu Motors Ltd into one of the country’s most successful automobile assembling companies. Through vision, perseverance, and unwavering commitment, he created opportunities for many and became a source of inspiration to countless young people across Kenya," he said.
"Together with Giannaphina, they represented strength, unity, and grace. Their untimely departure is a great loss not only to their family, but also to the business community, the people of Ukambani, and the nation at large."
He added a biblical message of comfort drawn from Isaiah 41:10, saying: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Kalonzo further extended condolences to the family, saying: “On behalf of myself, my family, and the entire Wiper Patriotic Front, I extend my deepest condolences to their children, family, relatives, and all those whose lives were touched by this remarkable couple. May the Almighty grant you strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.”
The message comes after the couple died in a grisly crash at Kiboko area in Kibwezi, Makueni County, along the busy highway on Saturday. Police said the two were travelling from the Mombasa direction towards Nairobi when the accident occurred at midday.
According to police reports, the vehicle they were travelling in, a pick-up, collided head-on with a trailer that was moving in the opposite direction.
The couple died on the spot. A company employee who was also in the vehicle sustained injuries and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment.
Police officers from Mashuru Police Station responded to the scene, documented the crash and cleared the wreckage. The bodies were taken to Montenzuma Mortuary in Machakos town.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. The deceased were reported to have had considerable influence in the motorcycle industry in Africa and were travelling towards Emali at the time of the incident.
