Gerald Mwangi Njoroge, affectionately known as "Makanga Bae," a beloved conductor for Nairobi's Super Metro Sacco, has passed away following a tragic road accident. His cousin, Murugi Mwinyi, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Friday, writing, "RIP Cuz, you had too much life left to live, we will miss you."
Mwangi had been admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital after the accident, which resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. Despite receiving urgent medical care, Mwangi's condition deteriorated, and he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Mwangi rose to fame in Nairobi for his dedication, politeness, and cleanliness, distinguishing himself in a profession often associated with rowdiness and rudeness. His charm and professionalism earned him admiration not only from Nairobi commuters but also from his colleagues. Mwangi became a well-known figure, breaking stereotypes about matatu conductors in the city.
The tragic accident occurred while Mwangi was on duty, and following the incident, Super Metro Sacco made a public plea for blood donations to aid his recovery. While he underwent surgery in an effort to save his life, including the amputation, he was unable to recover from his injuries.
Mwangi's family and friends are in deep shock, as they had hoped for his recovery. His cousin remembered him as a dedicated young man, writing, "He was so passionate about his work. Such a testament that whatever work you are involved in, be excellent at it. Stand out. RIP, Gero."
Despite holding a degree, Mwangi faced challenges in his career choice as a tout, initially receiving skepticism from his family. In a previous interview, he revealed that his mother had opposed his decision to work as a conductor. However, Mwangi proved the doubters wrong by bringing a level of calmness, politeness, and cleanliness to the job that earned him the respect of his peers and the broader community.
Mwangi's passing is a significant loss to the Nairobi public transport community, and his impact will be remembered by all who knew him.