This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
From Mark Masai to Simon Kabu: Celebrities Who Were Once Matatu Touts/Makanga ¶
Published on October 2, 2019
Several Kenyan celebrities have spoken publicly about their humble beginnings, including working as matatu touts/makanga. This group includes prominent individuals such as Patrick Igunza, Mark Masai, Simon Kabu, Mwangi Kiunjuri, and Oscar Sudi.
Patrick Igunza, a current Hot 96 and Citizen TV presenter, worked as a matatu crew member after finishing high school. In a past media interview, he recalled his experience as a makanga, saying, 'I remember me and a group of friends – about four of us – would go and become touts between Thika, Kithimani, and Matuu. We would do what they referred to as 'squads' and then get some money.'
Mark Masai, a renowned journalist and NTV presenter, also worked as a makanga between 2002 and 2004. In a previous media interview, he shared his experience, stating, 'My first job I was a makanga, (tout) Industrial Area, Hillocks. I finished high school in 2002, so, between that time and 2004, I did a bit of it because it was a business for our family, I was one of the conductors.'
Simon Kabu, the CEO of Bonfire Adventures, also had a humble beginning. He worked as a turnboy loading and off-loading milk at Tuzo and Brookside companies and also worked as a tout. In a past media interview, he shared his story, saying, 'Imagine my parents couldn’t afford college fees and had to leave university to look for fees then went back where I did all types of manual work like mjenjo huko jua kali kahawa west, matatu ya route 44 till I got the fees.'
Mwangi Kiunjuri, the current Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Irrigation CS, also had a humble beginning. He worked as a high school teacher at Kiarithaini Secondary School in Mathira, Nyeri County, and also doubled as a driver and tout before joining politics. In a past media interview, he shared his experience, stating, 'The transport business taught me a lot, understanding people and their way of living.'
Oscar Sudi, the Kapseret MP, was born in a humble background. His father was a cook at Moi University in Eldoret, and Sudi was forced to do odd jobs such as touting and delivering charcoal. In response to President Uhuru's call for a lifestyle audit of politicians living extravagant lifestyles, Sudi said, 'We support you (on lifestyle audit) 100 per cent. From myself since my days as a tout and from my father’s days as a cook at Moi University up to now, and everyone else… starting with President, from Jomo himself to the President.'
