Abel Mutua, Kenya’s celebrated digital storyteller, filmmaker, and actor, has shared the secret behind the enduring strength of his friendship crew, which he describes as being bound by both ironic and covalent bonds.
Known by the moniker Mkurugenzi, Mutua highlights that his close-knit group, consisting of Blessed Njugush, Phil Director, Celestine Ndinda, Judy Nyawira, and Eddie Butita, has been together for several years. Despite the passage of time, the group has remained a constant source of support for each member, through both highs and lows.
“Hiki kikosi hakijawahi tutoka. Tukiwa chini au juu, huwa kipo tu nasi. Mimi, Njugush, Philo, Cele, mke wangu na Butita ingawa Butita alijiunga nasi mapema 2020,” Mutua remarked. “We’ve lived through many moments—good and bad. Through it all, we’ve always had each other’s backs. We’ve been through tough times, especially us men, but we constantly remind each other that we’re going far together.”
Mutua, a crème de la crème digital storyteller, also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ofweneke, a TV 47 anchor and MC, for volunteering to emcee his wedding without charge. He acknowledged the profound impact Dr. Ofweneke’s gesture had on him, a kindness he’ll never forget.
“Dr. Ofweneke didn’t charge me anything for emceeing at my wedding. He offered his services for free. There are people out there who have done you good, and you owe them something,” Mutua said. “I honor my destiny helpers and connectors.”
Mutua revealed that when he asked Dr. Ofweneke to emcee his wedding, they had never met before. Despite this, Dr. Ofweneke’s willingness to step in left an indelible mark on him. “Dr. Ofweneke told me, ‘You’re my bro and a colleague in the industry. Today it’s you, tomorrow it’ll be me. I don’t see any loss in helping a brother.’ I hadn’t even given him a shilling, but he still did a fantastic job. How could I ever forget someone like that?”
In his reflections, Mutua emphasized that true friendship isn’t about competition or dependence. He pointed out that the core of lasting friendships lies in mutual support, honest teamwork, and respect for one another.
