Jadolo Elly Ndire Rachuonyo

It is with deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the passing of Elly Ndire Rachuonyo, who went to be with the Lord at Kendu Mission Hospital in Homa Bay County on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

 

The late Elly Ndire is survived by his beloved wife and long-time partner Toshiko Kuzumaki of Tokyo, Japan; sons Zakayo and Joshua; and daughters Edith, Valentine, Yunia, Abba, and Eukie.

 

Funeral planning is underway with tentative interment slated for Friday, September 26, 2025, at his ancestral home in Kamser Nyakongo, Karachuonyo Constituency, Homa Bay County. Kenya. 

 

The family is requesting prayers and financial support for funeral expenses to accord Jadolo Elly Ndire a befitting send-off.

 

Elly Ndire came to the United States in 1998 and returned to Kenya in December 2023. His life was marked by a remarkable journey of talent, resilience, and reinvention:

 

In the early 1970s, Elly began his career as a member of the Kenya Prisons’ Judo Team before moving on to pioneer the establishment of the renowned Bomas of Kenya.

 

During his tenure at the Bomas, he travelled extensively across Africa, Europe, and the United States as an Ethnomusicologist and member of the performing team under the tutelage of veteran South African choreographer Vundumla (famously known for his role as Mali ya Mungu in the film The Rise & Fall of Idi Amin Dada). Elly rose to become the official commentator before his departure.

 

Alongside his artistic work, he also served as a Karate instructor for the City Council of Nairobi. Elly was also among the founding members of the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission where he served as its first treasurer. 

 

In the early 1980s, Elly reinvented himself as a fluent Japanese speaker, launching a new chapter as a tour guide for Rhino Safaris. He later partnered with others to form Nana Tours, which evolved into Waku Waku Safaris.

 

In the mid-to-late 1980s, he sold his shares and co-founded Human-Like Travel and in the early 1990s, Elly divested again to establish Iko Investments, which he successfully managed until his relocation to the US in 1999.

Elly’s last decade was punctuated by his response to a higher calling. Having bent the rules of nature and pushed the envelope as a polymath, he dedicated his life to lifting Christ that He (Christ) may draw people to himself. In this pastoral role, he served as the beloved elder at Maranatha SDA Church in Jersey City, New Jersey.