Bonfire Adventures: The Journey from Founding to Tension and Transformation
On December 1, 2007, Bonfire Adventures was officially founded during a team-building event in Lukenya, marking the beginning of what would become one of Kenya’s most well-known travel companies.
In a heartfelt throwback post on social media, Simon Kabu, co-founder of Bonfire Adventures, shared a nostalgic reflection on the company’s roots. The post featured a photo of Simon and his wife, Sarah, looking youthful and full of smiles. “This is the most beautiful day for me as we mark the day Bonfire Adventures was born, 16 years ago, from a group of young professionals,” Simon wrote, adding the hashtag #TBT (Throwback Thursday). He reminisced about the origins of the company, which were rooted in a casual but impactful team-building experience. “We were at a team-building event in Lukenya,” Simon continued, showing his pride in how far they had come since that humble beginning.
However, the post comes at a particularly tense time for the couple. Simon and Sarah, who co-founded Bonfire Adventures together, are currently embroiled in both personal and professional differences, which have played out publicly on social media. Sarah, once heavily involved in the company’s operations, has distanced herself from the Kabu name, choosing to rebrand as “Sarah Mtalii,” a move that signals a shift in her professional identity and her relationship with the business they built together.
Simon Kabu recently spoke about the company’s beginnings in an interview with content creator Mungai Eve. He reflected on how their initial office space was graciously provided by his brother, and he explained how Bonfire Adventures began with a pivotal moment when they landed their first major job with a bank. At the time, the bank refused to transfer payment via mobile, requiring them to open a proper company bank account to complete the transaction. “We landed a job with a certain bank, and when it was time to pay, they told us they couldn’t transfer the money via mobile. We had to open an official account, and that’s how the company was created,” Simon explained. This moment marked the birth of Bonfire Adventures as an official entity, and Simon added that his sister was the one who helped register the company.
Simon also took a moment to discuss his relationship with Sarah, clarifying that despite their personal differences, they remained tied professionally. “Sarah is the mother of my kids,” Simon noted, underscoring the deeply personal connection they share, even if their professional paths have now diverged.
When asked about the allegations of physical assault that have been levied against Sarah, Simon chose not to comment directly, instead opting for caution. “I do not want to say anything about that. I do not want to be misquoted. There are a lot of things happening, and the truth will come out,” Simon stated, leaving the situation open-ended.
Meanwhile, Sarah took to her Instagram account to assert her own perspective on the situation. In a direct challenge to Simon’s narrative, she claimed that she was the sole founder of Bonfire Adventures and now had full control over the company’s operations. “Long live @bonfireadventures. I am the founder and now fully in charge. Christmas bookings ongoing,” she wrote, making it clear that she had taken ownership of the company’s direction moving forward. Additionally, Sarah announced her decision to drop the Kabu name and rebranded herself as “Sarah Mtalii,” signaling a fresh start both personally and professionally.
Their personal tensions were on full display when the estranged couple reunited for Bonfire Adventures’ end-of-year event. The awkwardness between the two was palpable, particularly when they struggled to cut a cake together in front of the gathered guests, a moment that was captured and shared widely on social media. This uncomfortable reunion sparked significant discussion across online platforms, with many speculating about the future of both their relationship and the company.
Despite the personal challenges and public tension, Simon reassured the company’s clients that Bonfire Adventures would continue to operate without disruption. “I want to assure our customers that the company is here to stay. We are working as usual,” he emphasized, conveying his commitment to maintaining the business’s success regardless of the ongoing personal drama.
As the saga continues to unfold in the public eye, many are left wondering how this tension will affect the future of Bonfire Adventures, a company that was built on the collaboration and partnership of Simon and Sarah Kabu. Despite their strained relationship, it’s clear that Bonfire Adventures is a significant part of their shared history, and both parties will have to navigate the complexities of running the business amidst their personal challenges. For now, Simon’s message remains clear: Bonfire Adventures will continue to serve its clients as usual, despite the storm brewing in the background.