In the serene village of Chesikaki, nestled in the heart of Kenya, a boy was born on January 10, 1926, who would grow to become a beacon of hope, a visionary leader, and a selfless servant of his people.
John Jamin Chebeni Musundi, the firstborn son of Mzee Zacharia Biketi Mukewa Walukhu – Omuambwa and Mama Timina Nabumbwa, entered the world as the eldest of 16 children. His humble beginnings in Chesikaki Village shaped his character, instilling in him a profound sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
From an early age, John exhibited an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He attended local schools, where his intellect and determination shone brightly. His academic journey led him to Kakamega Government School and later to Tororo College in Uganda.
During these formative years, he forged lifelong friendships with notable figures such as Maurice Cardinal Otunga, Archbishop John Njenga, and Peter Nyakiamo. His pursuit of education continued at Jean School Mangu and culminated at Reading University in the United Kingdom, where he honed his skills and broadened his horizons.
Upon returning to Kenya, John began his career with the African Local Government of North Nyanza in Kakamega. His dedication to public service soon saw him transferred to the Sirisia Social Services office. However, it was in 1956, during a transformative journey across North America and Europe with his beloved wife, Mama Norah, that John’s true calling began to emerge.
Under the auspices of the Moral Re-Armament movement, the couple spread a message of peace and advocated for a peaceful transition from colonial rule to self-rule for African nations. This experience deepened John’s resolve to fight for the economic and social empowerment of his people.
John’s career took a significant turn when he was appointed the first manager of the Elgon Nyanza Farmers’ Cooperative Union, under the chairmanship of Mr. David Yuka. This role allowed him to channel his passion for social work into tangible efforts to improve the lives of peasant farmers.
His exceptional leadership did not go unnoticed, and he was soon appointed the first Secretary General of the Kenya National Federation of Cooperatives. In this capacity, John worked tirelessly to mobilize public participation in creating savings and credit vehicles that would benefit countless Kenyans.
In the early 1960s, as Kenya celebrated its independence, John recognized that true freedom could only be achieved through economic empowerment. At the time, Africans had little to no ownership of banking institutions or insurance companies, which were dominated by Europeans and Asians.
Determined to change this, John became one of the nine founding directors of the Cooperative Bank of Kenya, earning him the title of a “Man of Vision.” The Board of Directors included Mr. B. Kathanga (Chairman), Hon. C. W. Rubia, M.P. (Vice-Chairman), Mr. J. K. Muthama, Mr. A. H. Kamau, Mr. M. Gheewalla, Mr. J. J. Musundi, Hon. D. N. Kuguru, M.P., Mr. S. Rintaugu, and Mr. S. Mogire.
He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Cooperative Insurance Company, addressing the insurance needs of ordinary Kenyans. Through a radio program titled Ushirika na Mshirika, he educated farmers on the importance of owning their own insurance to protect their vehicles, homes, and families.
For two decades, he guided the company as its founding chairman, leaving behind a legacy that continues to thrive as one of the top insurance firms in East and Central Africa.
John’s influence extended beyond Kenya’s borders. At the height of his career, he served on the committee of the International Cooperative Alliance in Geneva, Switzerland. His leadership roles also included chairing the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union, the Cooperative Insurance Company, and the Kenya National Federation of Cooperatives—a testament to his unparalleled dedication and expertise.
Despite his professional achievements, John’s greatest pride was his family. On April 30, 1952, he married Norah, a young lady from Namwela Village. Together, they raised eight children—Matanda, Stephen, Joyce, Dorothy, Esther, Joel, Onesmus, and David—and were blessed with 22 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren at the time of his passing.
John was a devoted father and husband, whose love for Mama Norah was so profound that he converted from Catholicism to the Friends Church, becoming a staunch Quaker. David Biketi, his youngest son, shared with Mumbo FM’s Chimbakha Chimbangafu program on February 7, 2025, that this change was a way of honoring his beloved wife. He even served as the Presiding Clerk of the Friends International Centre, embodying his faith through service.
John’s passion for farming was another defining aspect of his life. In the 1950s, his farm became a demonstration site for agricultural agencies, showcasing his expertise in coffee farming. As the first African Chairman of the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union, he led by example, prioritizing the education and empowerment of fellow farmers over personal gain.
His selfless spirit was evident in his decision to invite his brother, nephew, and brother-in-law to join him in the Trans Nzoia Scheme, ensuring that they too could benefit from his success. His efforts in promoting large-scale farming and food security in Kenya were instrumental in transforming the agricultural landscape of the country.
Mzee J.J. Musundi’s contributions to the Tulwet community in Kitale, where he lived since 1965, remain enduring. A primary school named after his parents, Norah and Musundi Primary School, sits on six acres of land. A church known as Mukomosi Friends Church occupies one acre, while a Police Post/Chief’s Camp sits on another. David Musundi has also provided one acre for the J.J. Musundi Vocational Training Centre, now under construction.
The Norah and Musundi Primary School, now a public institution, began as a humble initiative by Maayi Norah, who started teaching about 50 children in a church. When the children needed to transition to formal education, the villagers petitioned for a primary school, which John and Norah wholeheartedly supported. Today, the school educates 649 boys and girls.
In his later years, John faced health challenges, particularly with his respiratory system. After Mama Norah’s passing in 2013, he grew frail, deeply missing the woman who had been his partner for over 62 years. Despite his declining health, John remained resilient, supported by his children and a team of dedicated doctors.
On the afternoon of August 21, 2016, Mzee John Jamin Chebeni Musundi breathed his last after a sudden asthmatic attack. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. From his early days as a track star and captain of the Kenya National Football team to his visionary leadership in cooperatives and farming, John’s life was a testament to the power of selflessness, determination, and love for one’s community.
