KENDU BAY: November 7, 2025
The KMPDU family and friends, together with hundreds of mourners from across Kenya gathered in Rachuonyo North, Homa Bay County, to lay to rest a man whose life touched many, Mzee Musa Atellah Abonyo, the beloved father of our Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah.
More than just a burial, it was a celebration of a life that inspired strength, compassion, and deep humanity. Amid the grief, there was gratitude, for a man who gave his all to his family, community, and country.
Listening to Dr. Davji’s words about his father moved everyone present. He spoke of Mzee Atellah not just as a parent, but as his best friend and confidant, the first person he called in both joy and distress.
“My world has shattered,” he shared. “But so has the pain that my father bore with unimaginable strength. His courage, warmth, and love will remain with us forever.”
Those words captured the essence of Mzee Atellah’s life, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a spirit that endured even through illness. For over six years, he faced his health battles with resilience, never losing his light or kindness. His journey was not one of defeat, but of grace and courage in the face of life’s hardest seasons.
A Gathering of Love and Respect
At the burial in Kowuor Village, the atmosphere was heavy yet filled with love. From national leaders to local residents, everyone came together, not out of formality, but out of deep respect. Among those present were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Health PS Dr. Ouma Oluga, Royal Media’s Trevor Ombija, and long-time Raila Odinga ally Oketch Salah, among other leaders and dignataries.
Their presence, alongside KMPDU union officials lead by the Chair Dr. Abidan Mwachi, Deputy Chair Dr. David Mundia, Deputy Sec Gen Dr. Dennis Miskellah, National Treasurer Dr. Mercy Nabwire, KMPDU Branch officials from all over the country, and hundreds of doctors and colleagues, reflected how much Mzee Atellah’s legacy had rippled beyond his home. His life was a quiet example of dedication, a builder by trade and a mentor by heart. He raised fifteen children and thirty-five grandchildren, teaching them the value of hard work, honesty, and compassion.
Lessons We Carry Forward
In our union, we often speak of solidarity, service, and sacrifice. Mzee Atellah lived those values long before we put them into words. His story is a reminder that leadership is not only in titles, but in the daily acts of love and service that shape others.
As Dr. Davji continues to lead this union with strength and conviction, we see in him the reflection of his father’s resilience, a legacy that will live on through his work and through every life Mzee Atellah touched.
During this period of mourning, the KMPDU family stands shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Davji and his loved ones. We have witnessed an outpouring of love, from messages, calls, and tributes shared across the country. It has been a reminder that in our shared humanity, we find healing.
Grief is never easy, but we draw strength from one another and from the example left by those who came before us. Mzee Atellah showed us that a life well lived is not measured by years, but by the love and values we leave behind.
Farewell, Mzee
As we bid farewell, we do so not with finality, but with gratitude.
Thank you, Mzee Musa Atellah, for the love you gave, the lessons you taught, and the legacy you leave behind.
May your soul rest in eternal peace, and may your light continue to guide your family, and all of us, in the days to come.
On behalf of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), we extend our deepest condolences to our Secretary General, Dr. Davji Atellah, and the entire Atellah family during this time of great loss.
We celebrate the life of Mzee Musa Atellah, whose legacy of resilience, humility, and dedication continues to inspire us.
May God grant the family strength, comfort, and peace.
