Early Life of Edward Lunani

Edward Lunani was born on 4th April 1962 in Tabani village, Ndivisi Division, Bungoma. He was the last-born son of Mzee Japheth Wanyama Kimingichi and Ann Nasimiyu Masibayi, who hailed from the Abailifuma clan of the Bukusu in Makuselwa. He was one among ten children; five boys and five girls.

Edward grew up in a strict and disciplined household. His father, a no-nonsense man, earned his living repairing bicycles at Ndivisi Market, while his mother was a trader selling dry maize nearby. Ann drew much of her inspiration and business acumen from her late brother, Willington Wanyama Masibai. With such disciplinarian parents and equally firm brothers and sisters, Edward quickly learned to adapt and align to the family’s values.

In 1976, Edward underwent Tachoni initiation, joining the Omuchuma ageset. His early education was marked by hardship and transfers, he attended schools in Ndivisi, Tande, and Emusire before finally proceeding to Thika Training Institute, where he pursued Mechanical Engineering.

As a child, Edward was naturally left-handed, but his brothers discouraged this, considering it uncultured. Forced to use his right hand at home but left free to use his left in school, he eventually became ambidextrous.

In 1989, Edward married Jane Nambovi, a light-skinned young woman from the settlement scheme of Nabiswa. Jane was the daughter of Mzee Peter Mukhwana Wamalwa of the Basichongoli clan and Baslisa Nabangala of the Bamuki clan. Her family had settled in Nabiswa from their ancestral home in Khachonge, Kabuchai.

The couple first settled in Ndivisi, where Edward worked at Nzoia Sugar Company as a fitting engineer. Around this time, Mzee Japheth encouraged Jane to further her education. Having excelled in her Form Six exams, she enrolled at Kaimosi Technical Institute, where she pursued Accountancy.

Their first-born son, Job Wanyama, was born on 4th November 1990. Upon Jane’s graduation, the family moved to Bukembe, which was closer to Nzoia Factory, easing Edward’s commute. Jane, meanwhile, secured employment at Park Villa Hotel in Webuye.

In 1994, Edward and Jane relocated permanently to Webuye, where their first-born joined Growing Star Kindergarten. Their second son, Joshua Kimingichi, was born on 5th July 1995, at a time when Jane had transitioned to a new role at St. Mary’s School, Eldoret.

Tragedy struck on 23rd July 1997, when the family lost Mzee Japheth Wanyama under mysterious circumstances. The loss was especially heavy on Edward, who, as the last-born son, had been closest to his father.