A photo of the late Mbukinya Bus Services founder Paul Gatundu Muthumbi during his funeral service at his home in Limuru, Kiambu County, on July 29, 2026. PHOTO/MOSES MWANGI
Hundreds of mourners gathered on Wednesday in the green tea fields of Limuru to bid farewell to veteran businessman and Mbukinya Bus Services founder Paul Gatundu Muthumbi.
Family, friends, church leaders and politicians came together not to debate politics but to celebrate the life of a man whose buses carried generations of Kenyans across the country and whose humility touched many lives.
Mourners attend the funeral service of Mbukinya Bus Services founder Paul Gatundu Muthumbi at his home in Limuru, Kiambu County, on July 29, 2026. PHOTO/MOSES MWANGI
Throughout the service, mourners remembered Paul Gatundu Muthumbi not just as a successful businessman but as a humble entrepreneur who built bridges between communities, created jobs, connected towns through transport, and left behind a legacy of service that reached far beyond the roads his buses travelled.
Retired Archbishop Peter Njenga, a lifelong friend and age mate of the late Muthumbi, painted a vivid picture of growing up during Kenya's colonial era, recalling the hardships they endured and the different paths they later took in life.
Retired Archbishop and Cleric Peter Njenga delivers a sermon at the funeral service of the late Paul Gatundu Muthumbi, owner and founder of Mbukinya Bus Services, at his home in Limuru on July 29, 2026. PHOTOS/MOSES MWANGI
Njenga said they belonged to a generation that lived through the State of Emergency, when many schools were closed and African children were often forced out of classrooms. He reflected on how history can easily be forgotten, saying only a handful of his age mates are still alive.
"Paul was one of the brightest among us," he said.
"While I continued with education and later ministry, he ventured into business. He worked hard, prospered and built a legacy that has served countless Kenyans."
The retired archbishop shared memories that drew smiles from mourners, including how, as young boys, they would sneak into European farms to pick fruit.
He also recalled the colonial restrictions that required Africans to carry passbooks whenever they travelled, recounting how he was once detained for hours before proving his identity.
Njenga said Muthumbi's journey from selling eggs and small merchandise to building one of Kenya's best-known transport businesses demonstrated the value of hard work, integrity and service.
Mourners attend the funeral service of Mbukinya Bus Services founder Paul Gatundu Muthumbi at his home in Limuru, Kiambu County, on July 29, 2026. PHOTO/MOSES MWANGI
He challenged political leaders to serve people faithfully and with compassion.
"It is painful when a Kenyan walks into a public office seeking help and is turned away," he said. "Some people proclaim that God is good, yet their actions do not reflect God's teachings."
He urged Kenyans to live lives guided by honesty and service.
"Abstain from sinful desires, serve God and serve your fellow Kenyans. That is the legacy that will outlive you," he said.
Former Kiambu Governor James Nyoro attended the funeral as a family member, revealing that Muthumbi's wife is his aunt.
"I have known him since I was about 10 years old. We have shared a long family history together," Nyoro said.
Avoiding political discussion, Nyoro said the day belonged to the family.
"I will speak about politics another day. Today, I am here simply to mourn my uncle with the rest of the family."
Limuru MP John Kiragu described Muthumbi as a true nationalist whose investment reached far beyond his home county.
He said many Kenyans never realised that the famous Mbukinya Bus Services, whose buses became a common sight in western Kenya, Nyanza and Kisii, was founded by a businessman from Limuru.
"Many people assumed the buses belonged to someone from the regions where they operated. Few knew the owner came from Limuru," Kiragu said.
He also recalled how Muthumbi was never afraid to challenge powerful companies in defence of Kenyan consumers.
"At one time, he confronted Toyota over vehicles that he believed were underperforming in the Kenyan market," Kiragu said.
As the country approaches another election season, Kiragu called on leaders and citizens to uphold peace and unity.
"Let us remain united so that every Kenyan can live, invest, work and travel freely in any part of the country without fear because of their ethnic background," he said.
