Here is the biography of Dr. Kyalo Mativo:
Dr. Kyalo Mativo was born on January 3, 1945, on a footpath in Ngangani, Kitui, Kenya, to his mother who was on her way home carrying thatch grass, accompanied by a couple of her co-wives. He was the youngest of seventeen children, and his name, Kyalo, means Journey or one born during a journey.
Mativo attended Kitui High School and Strathmore College in Kenya before graduating Magna Cum Laude at UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater Arts. He went on to receive a Master of Arts Degree in African Area Studies and a PhD in Developmental Journalism from UCLA.
Mativo lived in Shoshone, CA, with his first wife Susan Sorrells, where they helped run a business while he pursued his advanced studies at UCLA. During this time, they traveled extensively in Europe, and Mativo lived and attended language schools in Germany and France. He was fluent in German, French, English, and his native Kiswahili and Kikamba languages.
Mativo published many short stories, including "On the Market Day," and was chief editor of Ufahamu during his studies at UCLA. He also appeared in the movies Roar (1981) and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985).
Mativo lived in Hanford, CA, with his second wife Diana Leoni for over 20 years, where they raised their son Mwongola and step-son Dapo Leoni. He was involved in his sons' education and taught him to run at a very early age. They were both well known for their cross-country racing. As a family, they were active in the AME Zion church in Hanford and were integral part of Black History Presentations. Mativo taught many community classes in Hanford about the African culture.
Mativo taught editorial writing at the University of Nairobi, Kenya Journalism Department in the mid-1980s, Kiswahili at Fresno City College in the 1990s into early 2000s, and History, Film, and Communications for West Hills College campuses at Lemoore, Coalinga, and Firebaugh until he fell ill with Valley Fever in 2008.
Mativo was a proud African man with extensive knowledge and respect for the African Culture. He loved to share this knowledge and was a teacher to affect and influence as many lives as he could. He had absolutely no patience with racial prejudice of any kind and was outspoken about it.
Mativo is survived by his wife Christine Mativo of 15 years, son Mwongola Leoni Mativo, step-daughter Mwende Hinojosa, step-son-in-law Mateo Hinojosa, granddaughter Mwali Hinojosa, sisters Katunge and Mbula, brothers Mwanzia and Munyao, many nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and a few great-grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ngii and Mativo Mbai, siblings Mutisya, Syengo, Nyiva, Kimanthi, Makau, Musili Ndani, Vengi, Katheke, and Kasyoka.
