Leaders, doctors turn out as KMPDU boss Davji Atellah's father is laid to rest in Kendu Bay

Mzee Musa Atellah Abonyo, father of Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, was laid to rest on Friday, November 7, at the family home in Kendu Bay, in a ceremony marked by a strong show of solidarity from the medical fraternity, national and county leaders, and members of the local community.

Doctors and union officials attended in large numbers, led by KMPDU National Chairman Dr. Abidan Mwachi, Deputy Chair Dr. David Mundia, Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dennis Miskellah, Treasurer Dr. Mercy Nabwire, and several branch leaders from across the country. Their presence underscored the widespread support extended to the union boss following the passing of his father.

Top political and government leaders also joined mourners in Kowuor, Rachuonyo North. Among them were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Karachuonyo MP Adipo Kuome, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga.

Governor Wanga, in a message shared after the burial, celebrated Mzee Atellah’s impact on his community:

“We joined Dr. Davji Atellah and his family as they laid to rest their patriarch, Mzee Musa Atellah Abonyo. Mzee Atellah leaves behind a rich legacy in the construction industry and in community service. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Speakers at the burial spoke of Mzee Atellah’s warmth, quick humour and generosity, qualities that had made him a respected figure in the area. The turnout reflected the depth of admiration he commanded, both professionally and personally.

Following the ceremony, Dr. Atellah shared a message of gratitude on social media, expressing the family’s appreciation for the overwhelming support they received throughout the week of mourning.

“On behalf of our family, we express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us as we laid our father, Musa Atellah Abonyo, to rest,” he wrote.

“Your prayers, kind words, presence, and contributions have offered us strength and comfort that words cannot fully capture… To see so many stand with us in honoring that life has been a blessing.”

Mzee Atellah died on Sunday, October 26, after a long battle with chronic illness. He is remembered as a man of depth, wit and resilience; qualities that those close to him say he embodied to the very end.