John Mwanee, a well-known hardware trader from Kwa Murindi village in Mbeere North, Embu County, as he finally opens up about rumours that have followed his success for years.
For a long time, customers and passers-by have whispered about Mwanee’s shop, where two cats sit calmly beside him from morning to evening. Some claimed the cats were not ordinary. Others avoided the hardware altogether, convinced there was something mysterious behind his rapid rise from a struggling trader to one of the most successful businessmen in the area.
Speaking openly for the first time, Mwanee dismissed claims that the cats are anything more than pets, but admitted that his success did not come by luck alone.
“These are just cats. I love animals, and they keep me company. People judge me because they don’t understand,” he said.
Mwanee narrated how, years ago, his business was on the verge of collapse. Despite opening early and closing late, sales were poor, debts mounted, and suppliers threatened to cut him off. He says he watched other shops thrive while his struggled, even though he stocked similar items.
“I reached a point where I asked myself why effort was not translating into results. I was working hard, but customers were not coming,” he said.
That frustration pushed him to seek advice beyond ordinary business tips. According to Mwanee, he later received guidance that helped him reposition his business and attract steady customers.
“What I did was not evil. It was about promotion and protection of my business,” he said.
He compared the concept to religious giving, saying many people misunderstand practices they do not use themselves.
“People give tithes and offerings in church so that God can bless their work. This is no different. A spell is not bad if the intention is good,” he said. “Mine was to open doors, not to harm anyone.”
Since then, Mwanee says his business has grown steadily, with consistent sales, loyal customers, and peace of mind. He insists that the cats have nothing to do with his wealth, other than attracting unnecessary gossip.
“Those cats don’t sell nails or cement. I do,” he said with a laugh. “If people want success, they should focus on understanding life instead of judging others.”
Residents remain divided, with some praising his honesty while others remain sceptical. However, customers continue streaming into the hardware daily, seemingly unbothered by the controversy.
As debates swirl around belief, business, and success, Mwanee remains firm.
“I sleep well. My conscience is clean. That is what matters,” he said.
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