From Hawker To Retail Emperor: The Story Of Simon Wachira, Magunas Supermarket Owner

For decades, Simon Wachira has stood as a towering symbol of grit, enterprise, and vision. The man behind the Magunas Supermarket chain is a familiar name across Mt. Kenya, celebrated not just for his business empire, but for the extraordinary journey that shaped it — a journey that now faces an uncertain future.

Born in Kiburu village on the border of Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties, Wachira’s beginnings were modest. In the 1980s, he could be found hawking wares in Mukuyu market, Murang’a — hustling not for glory, but for survival. But behind that modest trade was a disciplined saver with a dream. In 1990, with the help of a small loan, Wachira opened his first retail shop.

His unwavering honesty, prompt supplier payments, and consistency in business soon earned him trust and loyalty in the retail market. That small shop blossomed into Maguna Andu Wholesalers — and from there, the seed of a supermarket chain was planted.

The first Magunas Supermarket opened at Kwa Maji, now aptly named Magunas Stage, in Murang’a town. The brand quickly became synonymous with affordability, friendly service, and support for local farmers. Over the years, the chain expanded to Embu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Meru, Kitui, and even Nairobi — etching itself into the retail fabric of Kenya’s central region.

But Wachira’s vision wasn’t confined to retail. In 2012, he ventured into hospitality, opening Nokras Hotel. Six years later, he unveiled the opulent Nokras Riverine Hotel & Spa in Sagana — a gem nestled along the Tana River. He also developed Kilele Mall in Kenol, further cementing his role as a regional business powerhouse.

Despite his growing portfolio, Wachira remained grounded. Known for his deep spirituality and strong community ties, he emerged as a beacon of compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic, donating food to hundreds of vulnerable families when times were toughest.

But on July 7, 2025 — a day etched in the nation’s memory as Saba Saba — disaster struck.

What took Simon Wachira decades to build was torn down in a matter of minutes. Amid nationwide demonstrations, sparked by economic grievances and youth-led discontent, several of his business premises were attacked, looted, and set ablaze. The damage is still being assessed, but the toll — financial and emotional — is immeasurable.

“It’s painful,” said a source close to Wachira. “He built all this with sweat and sacrifice. To see it go down like that… it’s heartbreaking.”

As Kenya reckons with the aftermath of one of its most turbulent protest seasons in recent history, the story of Simon Wachira — a man who rose from the streets of Mukuyu to shape the region’s economic landscape — stands as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale.

For now, he picks up the pieces. But if history is any guide, resilience is his second name.