Simon Kabu admits co-directing Bonfire after split with Sarah Mtalii was hard
Businessman Simon Kabu has revealed the challenges he faced in the early days of running Bonfire Adventures, a company he jointly owns with his ex-wife, Sarah Mtalii, following their separation.
Speaking in an interview shared by SPM Buzz on Monday, December 15, 2025, Kabu revealed that one of the most difficult aspects was adjusting from a husband-and-wife relationship to functioning purely as co-directors.
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“Now that we are no longer husband and wife, it is not about pushing the business for your spouse; it becomes pure business, director to director,” Kabu said.
He explained that during the initial phase of managing the business after their divorce, both he and Mtalii had to leave personal emotions aside to make business decisions.
Kabu said the shift from a marital relationship to a strictly professional partnership demanded careful navigation, with both directors needing to establish clear boundaries while ensuring that day-to-day operations and strategic decisions were carried out effectively.
“I think the only challenge has been that sometimes, when you need to make a decision because you own the company 50/50, emotions have to be left out of the picture. That has been the most challenging part,” he added.
Kabu further revealed that the adjustment from a personal to a professional partnership was the most difficult part of continuing to operate the business jointly, but he said that over time the process has stabilised and decision-making has become purely professional.
“Shifting from the role of husband and wife to that of director and director has been challenging, but we have overcome it. I don’t think it is a big issue now, because many other companies are run by directors who are not related, and operating as director to director is normal,” he shared.
Mtalii’s take
The revelation comes just days after Mtalii also shared the challenges of co-running the company after the separation.
While she emphasised that a strong management team helps keep the business running smoothly, she also acknowledged that working with an ex-partner comes with inevitable awkward moments, especially during board meetings or major company events such as Bonfire’s anniversary celebrations.
“Of course, it is challenging running a business together when both of you are exes. It’s not easy, but we thank God because we have a management team that makes all the decisions for the company. Still, we will always face those awkward moments, like now, when we meet in boardrooms or at events where we are required to be together, such as this anniversary party,” she shared.
Mtalii recounted how painful it was to see company vehicles and assets she says took her ten years to acquire, being publicly given out without her knowledge or agreement.
She revealed that the land cruisers were not only vital to Bonfire Adventures’ operations but also formed part of their matrimonial and business property.
She confirmed that the matter is now before the courts, expressing hope that the legal process will resolve the issue fairly and bring closure to what she described as one of the most emotionally taxing periods of her life.
“Another very low moment was when I saw our hard-earned vehicles being given out online without my consent. It took us ten years to buy those Land Cruisers. I saw the first three being given out publicly, and it was heartbreaking because the clients need those vehicles, the company needs those vehicles, and even I need them. Those vehicles are our matrimonial property and company property. For six months, I stayed quiet, and then I saw another three Land Cruisers being given out. That was very low for me. The case is already in court, and I pray that we will be able to overcome this moment,” Mtalii shared.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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