Mungai wa Matunda speaks after finding his bread-winning mkokoteni missing
By David Nthua, January 3, 2026He woke up ready to go and wage war with poverty, just like many other Kenyans in Nairobi and beyond.
However, upon reaching his workplace, Mungai wa Matunda, a small-scale fruit vendor in Nairobi’s Zimmerman area, could not believe his eyes.
His only office, a mkokoteni, was nowhere to be seen, setting the tone for what he described as a heartbreaking morning.
Appeal for help
Taking to his Facebook account on Saturday, January 3, 2025, a visibly distressed Mungai wa Matunda revealed that the mkokoteni had been stolen in the early hours of the morning.
“Sad morning aki na lauka kwenda job napata mkokoteni yangu imeibiwa,” he wrote, adding that the cart disappeared at around saa kumi asubuhi.
Mungai went on to describe the stolen mkokoteni and appealed to anyone who might come across it to reach out.
“In case upatane nayo kindly reach through this number 0712626513,” he pleaded.
The post quickly attracted attention online, with many sympathising with his situation and others sharing the message widely.
For Mungai, the mkokoteni is more than just a cart; it is the tool that puts food on the table and keeps his daily hustle alive.
Kikuyu gospel artist Karangu Muraya was among the first public figures to react, calling on whoever took the mkokoteni to return it.
“Whoever stole this mkokoteni of our brother Mungai wa Matunda pale Zimmerman, please mrudishieni tu,” Karangu wrote, appealing for compassion.
Script or real loss?
As the story spread, a different narrative also emerged online. Some social media users questioned whether the disappearance was genuine, with claims circulating that the incident could be a staged move to solicit sympathy or support.
Addressing the speculation, Bro Favour Mkenya MC stepped in to dismiss the claims.
“Nimeona tuki post about mkokoteni wa Mungai wa Matunda Zimmerman kuibiwa, wengine wanasema ni mchezo wa town ati ni paybill loading,” he stated, before firmly adding that no fundraiser had been launched.
He further warned critics against dragging Mungai’s name in the mud, noting his close friendship with Dama wa Dama of Dama Spares Original.
According to Bro Mkenya, those calling for Dama to step in financially should stop the negative talk, insisting the issue should not be turned into online drama.
As questions continue to swirl, Mungai wa Matunda maintains that his mkokoteni was indeed stolen. For now, he waits, hoping that honesty will prevail and that his missing cart will find its way back home.