Sen. Mutula Kilonzo (1948-2013)
Mutula Kilonzo (1948–2013) was a Kenyan lawyer, politician, and philanthropist who rose from humble beginnings to become a respected legal mind and statesman. He earned a First-Class Honours degree in law from the University of Dar es Salaam, later establishing a successful legal practice before serving as President Moi’s legal advisor and eventually entering politics. He held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Minister for Education, and was elected Makueni Senator in 2013. Known for his philanthropy, he founded the Mwaki Foundation, though it became dormant after his death. He passed away under mysterious circumstances at his ranch in April 2013, with the cause remaining inconclusive.
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Life and Demise
Mutula Kilonzo was a Kenyan politician, the second born to Wilson Kilonzo Musembi and Mama Rhoda Koki Kilonzo, on 2nd July 1948. Kilonzo enrolled at Mbooni Primary School, where he had to repeat class one due lack of fifteen shillings in school fees. Afterward, he proceeded to Machakos School before joining the University of Dar es Salaam in 1969 to study law, graduating with a First Class Honours degree - the first in the East African region. After graduating, he began his legal practice in an office close to Jevanjee Gardens. He also set up an office in Machakos.
Within eight months of practice, Mutula had established himself as a formidable lawyer. He was introduced to Moi by Hosea Kiplagat, and later on became Moi’s legal advisor. During his tenure as a legal advisor, he made his debut in parliament as a nominated M.P. for KANU in January 2003. During the 2007 general elections, he contested the parliamentary election in Mbooni constituency, which he won. The same election was disputed at the presidential race leading to violent clashes. Mutula was a negotiator during the meeting held at Serena Hotel to resolve the conflict. A coalition government was formed, and Mutula was appointed as Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development.
Mutula married twice in his lifetime. He divorced his first wife in a landmark court battle. Together, they had three children: Kethi and Mutula Kilonzo Jr. (both of whom are lawyers) and Wanza Kilonzo. He married his second wife Nduku Musau, a daughter of the late Machakos tycoon Musau Mwania. They had three children together: Muathi Kilonzo (a financial expert), Mutune, and Musau.
On 27th April 2013, Mutula was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his Maanzoni ranch, Machakos County. The death was a shock since he had been well and had carried out his normal duties the previous day. Police investigations were inconclusive, affirming the possibility of cardiac arrest but found no evidence to suggest poisoning. He was buried on 9th May at his home in Woyani Village, Utangwa location, Makueni County in line with his wishes.
Achievements.
He also ran a successful law firm Kilonzo and Co. Advocates.
Out of Mutula's philanthropic efforts, he founded Mwaki Foundation in 2007. Since the patron's demise, who was also the benefactor, the foundation is dormant.
He was a veteran politician who served in three regimes; as a legal advisor, to Moi. Under Kibaki’s tenure, he was nominated under KANU as the MP for Mbooni Constituency from 2007; appointed Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development; in a cabinet mini-reshuffle, he was appointed Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Lastly, he was the Minister for Education until President Uhuru Kenyatta took the reins of power. In the 2013 general election, he was elected the Senator of Makueni till his demise.
References
- Fadamana, AnswersAfrica: Insights into Mutula Kilonzo's Life, Family, and Mysterious Death.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutula_Kilonzo
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