Cleophas Shimanyula, widely known as Toto, is a prominent and influential figure in Kakamega County, wielding significant power due to his substantial wealth and diverse business ventures.
For nearly a decade, Shimanyula has been a towering presence in Kakamega, accumulating a vast fortune and investing in various sectors including transportation, real estate, football, construction, and farming.
His journey began humbly as a tout on public service vehicles traveling between Kakamega and Kisumu. Alongside his three brothers, Shimanyula developed an interest in automobiles, working with their father in his garage where they gained experience in basic motor repair and maintenance.
Over the years, Shimanyula revitalized the taxi business in Kakamega, introducing luxurious car hire services. His fleet of vehicles caters to high-profile clients, including regional officials and visitors.
Although details of his educational background are unclear, with some reports suggesting he only completed primary school, Shimanyula’s entrepreneurial journey took off in the 1990s in Kakamega. After years of working in his father’s garage, he purchased his first saloon car, one of the earliest cabs in Kakamega, and operated it for nearly a decade.
Shimanyula’s entry into the matatu industry was marked by the purchase of his first vehicle, financed by a loan from a local commercial bank. He named his first matatu “Homeboyz,” a brand that has since grown to include over 50 vehicles operating on various routes across the country.
However, his legacy was almost tarnished on October 10, 2018, when one of his buses was involved in a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 58 people.
In addition to his transportation business, Shimanyula owns the Kakamega Homeboyz Football Club, established in 2010. The club was promoted to the Kenya Premier League in 2013 and has been a platform for nurturing local talent, especially among the youth in the region. Although the team has never won the league, it finished as the runner-up in the 2019/2020 season.
Shimanyula’s wealth has also afforded him political influence. For years, political leaders have sought his support to rally voters. Notably, former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo has leveraged Shimanyula’s influence in his campaigns. Shimanyula’s high-end vehicles were also used by Musalia Mudavadi during his 2013 presidential campaign. Other leaders who have collaborated with Shimanyula include former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
In 2017, Shimanyula made headlines when he vowed to sell all his assets to prevent former Senator Boni Khalwale from winning the Kakamega governor’s seat. He supported Oparanya, who ultimately won the election.
