Prominent Ukambani businessman and founder of Makindu Motors Limited, Stephen Ngei Musyoka, and his wife, Giannaphina Mumbua Ngei. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Prominent Ukambani businessman and founder of Makindu Motors Limited, Stephen Ngei Musyoka, and his wife, Giannaphina Mumbua Ngei, have died following a tragic road accident at Kiboko along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa Highway.
The couple lost their lives after the pickup truck they were travelling in collided with a trailer at Masimba area in Kiboko, Makindu. A farm worker who was seated at the back of the pickup sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
The deaths of the two have sent shockwaves across Ukambani and the country, with political leaders, business associates and residents mourning the loss of a couple widely admired for their contribution to entrepreneurship and community development.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the deaths as a devastating loss, saying he had received the news with profound sorrow and a heavy heart.
Kalonzo eulogized Ngei as a self-made entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings as a second-hand clothes hawker to establish Makindu Motors Limited, one of the country's leading automobile assembling companies. He said Ngei's determination, vision and resilience created opportunities for many young people and inspired countless entrepreneurs across Kenya.
"Stephen embodied the true spirit of a self-made entrepreneur. Through vision, perseverance and unwavering commitment, he became a source of inspiration to many," Kalonzo said.
He further described Stephen and his wife Giannaphina as a couple that represented strength, unity and grace, adding that their deaths were a great loss not only to their family but also to the business community, the people of Ukambani and the nation.
Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse said he received the news with shock and disbelief, describing the deceased businessman as one of the most successful entrepreneurs and investors in the Ukambani region.
Mutuse noted that Ngei, who founded Makindu Motors Limited, had risen from extremely humble beginnings to build a thriving automobile company specializing in the assembly and sale of motorcycles and motor vehicles.
"He inspired many and contributed immensely to job creation and the socio-economic growth of our region," the legislator said.
Former Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama also mourned the couple, describing Ngei as a visionary entrepreneur, hardworking and humble businessman whose contribution to the automobile industry would remain unforgettable.
Muthama said the businessman touched many lives through his dedication and commitment to enterprise, adding that his sudden death was a painful loss to his family, friends and the wider community.
Stephen Ngei was widely known as the owner of Makindu Motors Limited, an automobile company specializing in the assembly and sale of SkyGo motorcycles. His business empire grew steadily over the years, making him one of the most prominent investors in the Ukambani region.
Leaders who condoled with the family prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family, while describing the deceased couple as hardworking, generous and inspirational figures whose legacy will endure for generations.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
