Major (Rtd) Patrick Brunoh Muhanji
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
Program
Funeral service Day 1
Friday 27th September 2024
9.00 am-Family and friends assemble at Brunohs home in Muraka
9.30 am-Departure to Kakamega Funeral Palour.
10.30am-Body arrives at Musingu home, with brief viewing of the body and a funeral service conducted by the Quaker Friends Church Musingu.
2.00 pm-Body leaves for Muraka
DAY 2: 28th September 2024
Funeral Service led by the Friends Church
8.00 am - Gathering at the Muraka house
8.30 am - Departure for funeral service at Muraka Primary School
9.00 am: Call to order
-Two hymns
-Scripture reading
-Opening remarks - Church
-Eulogizing / Speeches
A) FAMILY:
-Uncles and aunts
-Brothers and sisters-in law
-Cousins
-Nieces and nephews
-Grandchildren
-Daughters and sons-in law
-Siblings
-Children
-Neighbors
-Widow
B) ADMINISTRATION:
-Assistant Chief
-Professional Colleagues
-Military Colleagues
C) EULOGY
D) CHURCH
E) BURIAL PROCESSION
Eulogy
BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE
Patrick Brunoh Anyula Muhanji was born in 1957 in Musingu Village, Mugomari sub-location, Ilesi location (Isukha West) in Shinyalu Division, Kakamega East sub-county. He was the third born of the late Reuben Steven Muhanji and the late Dinah Inyanya.
He was the father to Steve Reuben Muhanji, Eric Joel Khamadi, Ashlee Mbula Muhanji and Caren Kaeni, grandfather to Stephanie Araya, Sansa Ndamu,Trasme Khamadi; and father-in-law to Lillian Kalela, and Phides Kagendo
He was a brother to George Mongo Muhanji, Rose Achitsa Kubasu, Fred Muhanji, Washington Muhanji, Kenneth Muhanji and Nancy Muhanji.
He was an uncle to Maureen, Collins, Barbra Anne, Mercie, Reuben, Dinah, Francis, Addah Atieno, Phoebe, late Michelle, Debby, Beryl, Ian, Michelle, Steve, Santos, Samantha, Sasha, Fatuma, Saddam, Jeremy and Trevour.
He was a nephew to the late Clara Masitsa, the late Naomi Sakase, the Luvutses, the Alukhavas, the Khamadis, and many more others.
He was a cousin to the Ayekhas, Misigos, Amogolas, Andoves, Murilas, Mudeheris, Mulusas, Alis, Wanenes, Rakamas, Shinalis, Kinaros, Ojiambos, Amunyas, Shihunwas, Shibembes, Otungas, Asoyas and many more.
He was a brother-in-law to David Kubasu, Anna Shirwatso, Grace Akinyi and Elizabeth Omina.
EDUCATION
Brunoh started his education at Musingu Primary School in 1965 and Sat for his C.P.E in 1971 at the then Government Road Primary School. He proceeded to join Olkejuado High School then to Kakamega High School in 1974 where he did his K.C.S.E. In 1977 he sat for his K.A.C.E after which he joined the Kenya Army in 1978.
MILITARY SERVICE
Major (Rtd) Muhanji was enlisted as an Officer Cadet on 22nd May 1978 and after undergoing training at the Armed Forces Training College, graduated as a commissioned officer on 30 March 1979 as a member of Intake 9 that also commissioned colleague officers like General (Rtd) S Mwathethe the former CDF, Ambassador Lieutenant General (Rtd) S Thuita, Major General A Ikenye among others. During his service, he was promoted to several officers’ ranks starting from Second Lieutenant 1979, Lieutenant - 1980, Captain – 1984 and Major – 1987 to 1999.
The late Brunoh as he was popularly known, served in both Command, Staff and Training institutions holding various appointments, among them Platoon Commander 7th Kenya Rifles, Squadron Commander as a helicopter pilot and safety officer in the 50 Air Cavalry Battalion (having trained in the United States of America), Officer Commanding Defence Staff College, Administration. Officer Embakasi Garrison among others. He also served abroad as a United Nations Military Observer in Angola.
Major (Rtd) Muhanji was a hardworking and dedicated officer. This was recognized by his superiors thereby earning several medals among them: Kenyatta Commemoration, Presidential Installation, 20th Anniversary commemoration, 10 Years of Nyayo Era and the United Nations (UNAVEM) Angola medals.
The late Major (Rtd) Muhanji’s career was set to shine but he had other ambitions in life and while serving at the Defence Headquarters, he opted to honorably and voluntarily retire from Service on 3rd November 1999 with 21 years of Service under his belt. After his service in the Kenya Army, Brunoh had an outstanding career as a military and security consultant working for many international agencies and organizations in different parts of the world e.g. Namibia, Siera Leone, Yemen, South Sudan, Iraq, Nigeria etc.
FAMILY LIFE
Brunoh got married to Erika Njeri Hastie in 1983 and they were blessed with children namely Steve, Eric, Ashlee and Kaeni
ILLNESS AND DEATH
Brunoh was born healthy and lived a full and bubbly life. In 1983 he was involved in a helicopter crash in Loitoktok and was one of only two survivors of the crash. He however has lived with a lingering back issue which he has been able to address medically.
On Saturday 14th September he drove himself, as he usually does, from Nairobi to go home (Muraka) where he was to spend histwo weeks work leave with his son and granddaughter. He was in good spirits and spent time with friends and siblings in Musingu and Muraka. On Monday 16th, after a peaceful day and a healthy supper of bushuma (ugali) and chicken that he slaughtered himself, Brunoh retired to bed at around 9:00pm. Unfortunately, Brunoh peacefully passed away in his sleep.
An autopsy conducted on 18th September concluded that he had succumbed to a heart attack.
Brunoh Leaves behind a legacy of gallant service to the nation, community and his family embodied in his favorite quote "Esprit de corps" a French term that means "group spirit" or "spirit of the body". His deep love for his family and friends will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege to interact with him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Brunoh was born a Quaker and grew up as a Quaker man but due to his occupation and numerous engagements he was not able to complete all the Quaker classes. He however immensely contributed to the development and mission of the Quaker Friends Church.
Brunoh was a very prayerful person and always started and ended his day in prayer.
Timeline
Gallery
Memory wall/Tributes
We met few times but you left a huge impact in our lives, you were loving,caring and very sophisticated, always fun to be around. I remember when you invited us to your home you treated us like queens that we didn't even want to leave. Though we always met under not so good circumstances, you always made it memorable and embraced us with love. We are saddened that we will never see you again but we mourn with hope that we will be reconnected in heaven. Fare Thee Well Uncle ❤️🕊️
The Wabwile's
When you told me you're going home to rest I never imagined you were on your way to your final resting place. HOW!? You were supposed to be here for so much longer!!
My heart is weary, my spirit is broken, my body is numb, but I can only hope and pray that peace has followed you wherever you are. That you are truly resting and that you now have a permanent smile on your face. You had such a beautiful smile khotsa . I can't believe I will not see you or hear your voice again.
You were a second father and a friend. You taught me through words and action what unconditional love of self and others looked like. EVERYTHING you did was rooted in love. Love for country, love for family, love for fine things in life and above all else love for God.
I hope to make you proud. Rest with the angels my dearest khotsa. You're now part of my Schutzengels .
I will always remember you.
I love you today and forever
Inyanya Kubasu
This is the hardest thing I have ever done for you. I thought I was strong until I got to do this, I have so much to say but I don't know how to say it. Baba you have been my rock and my strength, and I don't know how to go about this life without you. Who is going to be reminding us to pray at exactly 9:30, who is going to be wishing us a blessed day every day? Baba who told you this would be easy for me? How I'm I going to learn how to live without you, yet you have been present my whole life? Papa bear, your little girl who is not little anymore is broken. I'm only left with memories and the worst part about it is, it hurts more. The past three weeks the Lord made it all about us. We bonded and grew closer, and I tend to think this was all God's doing and I'm grateful. You have been a great father to my siblings and I, the best babu twiga to your grandkids, the favorite uncle to your nieces and nephews and amazing brother to your siblings. Holidays will never be the same again because we have lost the organizer to all the holidays we have at home. Home will never also be the same because you have left an empty, scary space. I'm heartbroken and I don't know how to heal from this heartbreak. Guide me, hold my hand and walk beside me, you hold the biggest part of my heart, and you showed me nothing but pure love. Watch over us, heaven has truly gained an amazingly incredible person. Until we meet again papa bear.
Kigunyo
(translated: Anyular you've left me in the wilderness)
Years later you lent me your army sleeping bag for my honeymoon which I accidentally damaged but you forgave me.,,
Then many many more years later - a proud moment for me when I introduced Kelsey to you... @ Papas funeral and we eat the roast meat.. with Zee
(you call her Mami Red) peeling garlic with the other ladies... we laughed we shared jokes and lovely friendship and comfort knowing we are all together however heavy that load was with papa’s going.,.
Now with you gone - that’s so soon… too soon but it’s Gods plan. @ my 3am morning wake up … in prayers - I shall remember you …
it's going to be weird.. My Clint Eastwood has gone to rest. Our kool Guy
😢Carol
For my uncle Bruno,this feels like a dream,I am loss of words ,gone before we knew it
I have so many memories we shared anko,The pop ins you used to make at home anko and you would Say Mmera make me “something hot something sweet”and i knew i had to prepare tea….you made it your responsibility to know how each and everyone of us were doing ,even woke me up at 3am to pray with me on the morning of my visa interview anko….The Muhanji Empire family has lost a leader,mentor,father figure,I will forever cherish all the moments we shared together.
He has been there for me through tough times. We had a lot of memories together . He bought me clothes and shoes . When he was in Nairobi he used to buy me KFC and bought me a piggy bank to put my coins.
When he went to work he would call me on the phone. I used to drive with babu in his car.Babu was my hero.
I wonder why he left so early, I really miss him so much . He would solve problems
I love you my babu
From your granddaughter Tikolo ( Trasme Njeri Khamadi Muhanji)
For my uncle Bruno,this feels like a dream,I am loss of words ,gone before we knew it
I have so many memories we shared anko,The pop ins you used to make at home anko and you would Say Mmera make me “something hot something sweet”and i knew i had to prepare tea….you made it your responsibility to know how each and everyone of us were doing ,even woke me up at 3am to pray with me on the morning of my visa interview anko….The Muhanji Empire family has lost a leader,mentor,father figure,I will forever cherish all the moments we shared together.
Ooh how you loved the sandals "Debbie will be home next week get me two pairs zakurudi nazo S.Sudan " You never stopped promoting me no matter which side hustles I ventured in.
You inspired me to aim higher in my career always sending me jobs za UN because that's where you always saw me working in your dreams for me am glad you managed to see me achieve that dream .
You were the only Grandpa with
whom my son Lani knew.From the day I delivered always checking up on his latest grandson. I remember the video calls just so that he could see how his chokora has grown(as he used to call Lani) because everytime he called Lani was always running around and getting into things .
Through his thoughtful advice, generous spirit and his ability to listen for I could tell him anything without fear of being judged ,he made me feel valued and loved.You showed me what a father's love looks like.
Lani and I will deeply miss you but never forgotten from our hearts.
Love you uncle till we meet again.
You gave me the name ‘The Red One’, ‘Mami Red’ when we were teenagers. This has stuck to date. I will miss your calling me ‘The Red One’ . I will miss you’re your jokes, your husky laughter, your presence in family meetings. I will miss you my Brother, my Friend. Through memories, you will live in my heart forever. Bruno, may you find the eternal rest you deserve.
Mami Red Aka Zippy Ali
I love how stubborn and headstrong you were - I don’t know where I got that from.
I remember your excitement when you introduced me to the Muhanji crew and now I cannot imagine life without them. You were and always will be a pillar for the crew and your legacy lives on in all of us.
You never failed to have your daily prayers whether alone or with us as a family. I loved your wholehearted commitment to God, and although it’s painful that you’re gone, there is joy in my heart because I know you’re Home safe and sound and any pain is exchanged for peace and tranquility.
I yearn for the conversations we began and never got to finish, but I find comfort in the fact that we did have those conversations and I enjoyed them. You were always eager to share your adventures and we would laugh as I listened intently. We bonded over the most unlikely things, e.g. politics, flying and most recently our food adventures.
You never faltered in showing any of us your love and never allowed us to forget it. Looking back, this quote comes to mind, “There is nothing that makes you more insane than family, or more happy, exasperated, or more secure”. You always made me feel secure, happy, safe-the list is endless and I knew from day one, you had my back and I love you even more for it. Though I may not see you now, I feel your presence everyday since you’ve been gone and I continue to relish the fact that you will always have my back no matter where you are. I keep wondering to whom I will rant about all the things we loved to talk about but I know you’ll always be listening.
I love you dad and always will, and just like the first time you received me with open arms I know that the next time we meet, you will be waiting again with open arms, and say, “CK, I’ve missed you”, and I’ll know everything will be alright.
I love you, papa bear and I know someday I’ll get to see you again.
I finish this tribute to you by quoting Liza Minnelli, “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow”, and for me I quite literally looked up to you in stature and character - when I grow up I want to be just like you and not just in character.
Love you, dad, forever and always!
LOVE CK!
Andy G
My khotsa was the life of almost every family gathering. He was the teller of jokes, the singer of songs, and the catalyst for hearty laughter and boy would he laugh!!!. But beyond the joy and entertainment, he was always available to offer a listening ear and a comforting hug.
I had a beautiful relationship with khotsa and had the privilege to be able to talk to him about any and everything, from discussing building projects, daily check ins to fears and concerns that we had. Around June he bought several suits, and we had a routine where I virtually would help put some of his outfits together, we would discuss what shirt and tie would go with what suit, and when we were satisfied with an ensemble he would chip “looku imeiva”. We had even began a foot skin routine, and if you know ango B very well, you will recall he NEVER oiled his feet, after a lot of back and forth, with a lot of resistance he had finally given in and had bought Nivea for Men moisturizing lotion and he made sure to send me a pic always to show how well moisturized his feet were. We shared a love for perfume and cologne and would have a full-blown analysis about our “smell goods” as we referred to them, the next cologne he was to get to add to his collection was going to be Hugo Boss Intense.
Like any human being, he had his fair share of good times and shortcomings. He wasn't perfect; however, I am grateful that he was able to share with me some of those moments when life seemed to test his strength and resolve because to me in facing those trials, he demonstrated an admirable level of resilience that made me so proud of him.
Oooh khotsa wanje your physical presence will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to live on in the stories we share, in the lessons we remember, and in the love, we continue to feel for you. Thank you for showing me what it means to truly live. May your soul find eternal peace and happiness, knowing that you profoundly touched my life and the lives of many others. You indeed made the world a richer place by simply being you. My Khotsa, “Ango “B, my friend, my G, Le’general rest easy boss it will never be the same….
Patrick was a man of great strength and character, whose wisdom came not only from his years of service but from his immense love for life and family. He had a unique ability to bring warmth and comfort into every conversation. He was always there, not just as a guiding hand, but as someone who truly understood and walked with you through every challenge. He was a source of unwavering support and unspoken understanding, qualities that made him so much more than a father, He was a leader and with wisdom that all of us tapped into.
To me, papa was also a brother, someone who I could confide in, laugh with, and lean on as I found myself in this world. He wasn’t just a figure of authority but a companion who made me feel seen, heard, and valued. We shared moments of deep reflection, joy, and even struggle, and through it all, he remained a constant source of love and encouragement, as I say “a total man”
His legacy extends far beyond his military achievements; it lives on in the love he gave, the lessons he imparted, and the friendship we shared as well as those who are with us here and beyond. Papa had a way of making everyone around him feel important, and his generosity of spirit knew no bounds. He lived his life with integrity, always striving to lift others up, and that is a gift he left with all of us. Once he had me say YOLO- YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE but he corrected me and said YODO – YOU ONLY DIE ONCE so how you live is the most important thing my son, so live it well and true.
Papa’s love for his family knew no bounds. His sacrifices, though often unseen, were felt in every success, every achievement, and every moment of joy that we experienced. He gave selflessly, always putting others before himself, ensuring that those around him felt supported, understood, and cherished.
Beyond his family, Papa was a man of the community—always willing to lend a hand, always ready with a kind word. He believed in uplifting others, in sharing his knowledge and resources to better the lives of those around him. His generosity knew no limits, and his legacy of kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Though he may no longer be with us in the physical sense, his presence will forever remain in our hearts. His laughter, his wisdom, and his friendship will continue to guide us through life, reminding us that love, in its truest form, never fades.
Rest well, dear father, friend, and brother.
Major (Retired) Patrick Brunoh Muhanji, your memory will forever be cherished, and your impact on our lives will never be forgotten.
Now that you’ve gone, without saying goodbye, I heard your whisper telling me, “You are not alone.” Honestly, it’s hard to let you go. I feel like I’m losing my bond with you.
You were a great father, a great grandfather, a wise man, a consultant, a warner, and a great supporter. Your treasured memory will never be forgotten and will always remain in my heart.
Babu, do me one last favor. Don’t turn off your phone — I want to see the alarm keep reminding us of the prayer time at 9:30 p.m. daily, so that we can keep praying together.
Love you, Babu.
Family tree
Service
Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
MAIN SERVICE
28th September 2024
Funeral Service led by the Friends Church
8.00 am - Gathering at the Muraka house
8.30 am - Departure for funeral service at Muraka Primary School
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Send Money:
Phone Number: +254 724 512910
Name: Rose Kubasu
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Name: Barbra Kubasu
https://bit.ly/Brunovenocontributions
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Name: Barbra Kubasu
https://bit.ly/Brunohpaypaldonations