From fan belt to faith. The unforgettable journey of a teacher who whipped and shaped us.
Back in the day, he was known simply and fearfully, as Simba.
Not because he had a majestic mane or roared melodically. But because when Mr. Muhia raised that infamous fan belt, the entire school stood still.
He wasn’t just our Deputy Head Teacher. He was the enforcer. The storm. The man whose footsteps could rearrange your moral compass.
On 21st Nov 2021
We gathered around him. Not trembling this time, but laughing.
We stood together as grateful adults.
The man helped shape our childhood with firm hands. Believe it or not, he had a soft heart. It was buried under years of schoolboy fear.
From 1976, Mr. Muhia served Ruai Primary School for 20 unwavering years, before being transferred in 1996.
Apparently, when chaos broke loose in Kayole schools, the Ministry of Education had one solution: “Send in Simba.” He wasn’t just a teacher; he was educational riot control.
He admits now, with a grin…
Teaching wasn’t his first love. He could have made a fine policeman. We all nod in agreement.
The evidence was in those fan belt lashes. But once he put on the chalk-stained coat of a teacher, he wore it with conviction.
And time, it seems, has done its mellowing work. In our visit, Mr. Muhia was more sage than Simba. He spoke gently. He listened deeply. He even joked about the days when discipline meant pain.
And pain meant progress.
If he could go back. He says, he’d listen more and react less.
And somewhere in that simple reflection lies a powerful lesson. The man we once feared now teaches, not with punishment, but perspective.
He’s traded in the fan belt for faith. He found Christ in his later years. And with that, a new kind of strength.
As we shared stories, laughter, and steaming plates of home-cooked food, we realized we weren’t just visiting a former teacher.
We were honoring a craftsman of character.
We brought him a gift
A small token of thanks. It couldn’t possibly match what he gave us. But when we handed it over, his smile said everything.
Gratitude, mutual respect, and a deep knowing: it was all worth it. Life has come full circle.
The man we once dreaded became the man we deeply admire. We may have walked into his office trembling, but we walked out better for it.
So here’s to you, Mr. Muhia.
For the tough love. For the second chances. For proving that the fiercest lions can become the wisest elders.
“I was young… now I am old…” Psalm 37:25. And in between, we had you.
📚Read other inspiring teacher stories:
- 2024: The Bell Rang, We Came Back: Honoring Ruai Primary Teachers
- 2023: Laughter, Chalk & Legacy: Honoring Our Ruai Primary Teachers – Year 3!
- 2022: When the Students Give Back: Ruai Primary Reunited, Retired, and Remembered
- 2021: Nine Families, Countless Blessings: A Journey Back to Those Who Raised Us
👉 Click the links above or check the “Alumni Stories” category on my blog.
💬 I’d Love to Hear From You!
Did you have a “Simba” at your former school? That unforgettable teacher who shaped you with discipline, wisdom, or humor?
Share your memories below. Whether they made you laugh, cry, or grow. Let’s celebrate the teachers who helped write our life stories. 👇🏽
🔖#SimbaNoMore, #CelebrateYourTeacher, #DiscipleWithLove, #RuaiPrimary, #UnsungHeroes, #TeachersMatter, #FullCircleMoments
Joseph Ngaara is inspired by people’s life experiences. Do you have an intriguing life story and need to share your triumph or tragedy? Email: j.mungai@hotmail.co.uk
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