Safari Bernard Mathenge

Obituary For Safari Bernard Mathenge

Safari Bernard Mathenge, 69 passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, at his home. He was born on June 4th, 1956, to Safari Mathenge and Prisillah Safari in Gatunga Village in Tharaka Nithi County Kenya, Africa.

Safari was a driven individual in life and sickness. He described himself by saying “I am like the little train that could, and I am still at it;” describing his determination each day until his passing.
Safari began his early education at Tonoka Primary and attended Tonoka High School in Mombasa, Kenya. He later travelled to America and attended East Carolina University, Greenville, NC and Louisburg College, Louisburg, NC. Safari owned and operated “Safari as I Can See” landscaping business and enjoyed talks about spirituality, reading, listening to Bob Marley, playing the djembe, cooking and spending time with his daughter.

He was preceded in death by his father, Safari Mathenge, four siblings; Bernard Safari, Grace Kanyua Safari, Holidah Muthoni Safari, and Betty Mathenge. He is survived by his wife Elaine, loving daughter Malaika Mathenge, son; Jonathan Doe, mother;Prisillah Safari, and sister Angelina as well as a host of family and
lifelong special friends; Jim McNeil, Antonio and Myles.

A celebration of life will take place at American Cremation and Funeral Service, 1204 Person St., Durham, NC on Friday December 19th at 12pm.