And at the heart of this journey is the late tycoon Ong’era Moturi, a visionary whose legacy still rolls across Kenyan highways.
The towering, multi-colored Guardian Angel buses — often seen cruising from Nairobi to Kisii, Kisumu, and beyond — are more than just a means of transportation.
They are the living legacy of a man who saw opportunity in mobility, and turned a family trade into a regional powerhouse.
Humble Beginnings, Bold Vision
Ong’era Moturi was no stranger to business.
Inherited wisdom from his father, Nahashon Ong’era Omote — himself a transporter — laid the foundation for what would become a generational enterprise.
Moturi launched Guardian Angel in the early 2000s, leveraging his deep understanding of the market and his community.
He didn’t stop there. Alongside Guardian Angel, he established Nyamira Express and diversified into hospitality with Guardian Hotel and construction with Mwamoturi Hardware.
Each venture bore his signature ambition: to serve, to grow, and to create lasting impact.
More Than a Businessman
Moturi wasn’t merely a tycoon. In his home county, he was a mentor, a philanthropist, and a revered elder.
Former Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama once described him as “a man who believed wealth should create opportunities for others.”
His businesses employed hundreds, his advice guided political leaders, and his influence shaped local policy on transport and trade.
Even as his health declined in his 90s, Moturi remained engaged — overseeing operations, mentoring the next generation, and ensuring his values were instilled in every vehicle bearing the Guardian Angel brand.
A Legacy Carried Forward
In 2019, Ong’era Moturi passed away at the age of 95. But his empire didn’t falter. Instead, it flourished.
His son, Julius Mokaya Ong’era, now leads Guardian Angel Bus Company as Executive Director, ushering the family legacy into its third generation.
The company has since expanded routes, modernized its fleet, and embraced digital booking — all while maintaining the customer-first philosophy that Moturi championed.
“Every trip a Guardian Angel bus makes is a reminder of my father’s passion,” Julius told local media. “He believed in quality, in service, and in giving people dignity through decent travel.”
Driving the Future
Today, Guardian Angel is more than a business; it’s a symbol of resilience, generational leadership, and regional pride.
With services extending into Uganda and plans to scale further, the company stands as a case study in how Kenyan-owned businesses can grow — and thrive — beyond the lives of their founders.
In Nyamira, stories of Moturi are still told: of a man who believed the road was not just for transport, but for transformation.
And every time a Guardian Angel bus departs from its terminal, his dream moves forward — one journey at a time.
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