Yusuf Shani Ole Petenya
It is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the sudden death of Yusuf Shani Ole Petenya, a lecturer at Maasai Mara University that occurred on 5th November, 2019.
Son of the late Keloi Ole Petenya and the late Kusiampei Keloi. Loving husband of Jedidah Nankaya (Maasai Mara University). Loving dad of Nosotua Petenya, Rarin Petenya and Letipat Petenya. Brother of Katipi, Mareru, Kutatoi, the late Kerika, Leketon, Rarin and Palanta. Son-in-law of Joyce Nankaya. Uncle and brother-in-law of many.
The cortege leaves Kenyatta University Funeral Home Nairobi at 6.00am and proceeds to be laid at his home in Lenkobei village in Magadi on Saturday 16th November, 2019.
Romans 14:8; If we live we live for the Lord and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Shani was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. I first met him in Kampala, Uganda back in 2002 or so, when the Katoomba Group met there for a meeting on incentives for conservation. He visited San Francisco to receive the Equator Prize for his great work with the Shompole Community, and stayed in our home. His enthusiasm, joy and humble gratitude left an indelible impression on my wife Sara and me, and on our two daughters Eleanor and Olivia who were then 7 and 12. He was the most fantastic guest, showering our family with gifts, sharing laughs, and even going with us for his first ever canoe trip out on Tomales Bay. We stayed in touch over the years, following his accomplishments with Forest Trends and at Clemson, his marriage to Jedidah, and the birth of his beautiful children. This past February my daughter Eleanor and I went to visit him in Kenya and I will never forget the big hug he gave us when we landed in Nairobi, nor the absolutely epic adventure he took us on. He helped with every possible detail, making us feel incredibly well taken care of, and we visited Magadi and met some of his family in Shompole, went to see the Maasai Mara, got to meet Jedidah in Narok, and a tour of Maasai Mara University. His great pride in his family, the beauty of Kenya, the rich and timeless depth of the Maasai community in Shompole, and mostly his infectious laugh will stay with us forever. I am heartbroken at the thought that he is no longer with his family and with us, and because I feel like I have lost a kindred soul and a brother who I was still just getting to know. Rest in peace, Shani.
Ole Petenya was/is a dear friend; here is an interview that Ricardo Bayon and I did with him about PES and his Masai community back in 2007: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGhqIv5NKpA
May his Strong and Loving Spirit fly high and continue to touch our hearts and determination to make this world better.
Regards,
Beto Borges
Director, Communities and Territorial Governance Initiative, Forest Trends
Jehovah gives his hope of seeing loved ones during resurrection John 5:28, 29
Shani lived as a member of our family for his last academic year at Clemson University. He was a kind, kind person, always smiling. He loved our children and grandchildren. Words just don’t seem adequate. Our love goes out to Sima with whom we also spent a great deal of time. We wish we could have known his children. His strong faith was an example and we know that he is with his Lord. Oh how we will miss him.
I knew uncle shani since i was born as my loving and caring uncle.
Since he was my father’s younger brother,shani used to visit us ,then he got married to his loving wife Jedida.
Uncle shani was a real inspiring to us all maasai, since he was the first person in shompole to graduate with a degree furthermore he went ahead for a PHD
Uncle shani loved me so much.
I remember the days he arrive at home (since all his brothers families lives in a one homestead and their livestock’s together with shani too because they all love each other.) A big maasai party is held just for him and a big bull is slaughtered to celebrate and welcome him.
Shani had compassion for everybody he had a beautiful smile that quenched the anger.He was my real fovorite.
Uncle shani was my mentor all through,he used to advice me that if he had make it i should make too in life and in studies until i finished my high school last year.
Shani really loved conserving the environment and wild animals especially his small park at home.
I will really miss best moments with him especially game drive admiring the animals around our homestead.
Rest in peace uncle Shani we will always remember you. I know you spirit is within us.and i pray God to enable me go ahead with what you started.