Mutula Kilonzo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mutula Kilonzo SC
EBS, EGH
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| Member of the Kenyan Senate | |
| In office 28 March 2013 – 27 April 2013 |
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| Succeeded by | Mutula Kilonzo Jr |
| Constituency | Makueni County |
| Minister for Education | |
| In office 28 March 2012 – 2013 |
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| President | Mwai Kibaki |
| Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs | |
| In office May 2009 – 27 March 2012 |
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| President | Mwai Kibaki |
| Member of the Kenyan Parliament | |
| In office 2008–2013 |
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| Constituency | Mbooni |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 July 1948 Mbooni, Kenya |
| Died | 27 April 2013 (aged 64) |
| Political party | WDM-K |
| Children | Kethi Kilonzo (Advocate), Mutula Kilonzo Jr . (Advocate) |
| Alma mater | UDSM (LLB) Kenya School of Law |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Mutula Kilonzo (born 2 July 1948 – died 27 April 2013) was an important Kenyan politician and a top lawyer called a Senior Counsel. He served as a Minister in different government roles. These included Minister of Education and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
He was a member of the Wiper Democratic Movement political party. In the 2013 Kenyan general election, he was chosen by the people to represent Makueni County as a Senator.
Early Life and Education
Mutula Kilonzo was born in 1948. His parents were Mzee Wilson Kilonzo Musembi and Mama Rhoda Koki Kilonzo. He was the second child in his family.
When he was a young boy, he had to repeat his first year of school. This was because his family could not afford the school fees, which was fifteen shillings at the time.
He went to Mbooni Primary School and Machakos School. Later, in 1969, he joined the University of Dar es Salaam. He studied law there and graduated with top honors. He was the first person in East Africa to achieve this.
Political Career
Mutula Kilonzo became a Member of the National Assembly of Kenya in the December 2007 election. He first served as the Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development.
In May 2009, he was given a new role as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He then became the Minister of Education until April 2013. This was when the new president was sworn into office.
In 2013, he ran for the Makueni senatorial seat. He won the election, beating his opponent John Harun Mwau. Mutula Kilonzo received 193,539 votes, showing strong support from the people.
Legal Career
Before becoming a politician, Mutula Kilonzo was a private lawyer. He worked for the former President Moi. In January 2003, he first entered parliament as a nominated Member of Parliament for the K.A.N.U party.
In 2013, after the presidential election, the results were challenged in court. Mutula Kilonzo was part of the legal team that helped represent Raila Odinga in the Supreme Court of Kenya. The court later dismissed the petition on 30 March 2013.
Personal Life
Mutula Kilonzo had several children. His children include Kethi Kilonzo, Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Michael Musembi, Muathi Kilonzo, Mutune, and Musau. Kethi and Mutula Kilonzo Jnr are also lawyers.
He was married to Nduku Musau. His first wife lives in Nairobi Riara Estate.
Passing Away
Mutula Kilonzo passed away on 27 April 2013. He died at his farm in Machakos County.
After his passing, doctors conducted an examination to understand the cause. The examination was done by several doctors, including the chief government pathologist. A British pathologist also took part at the family's request.
He was buried on 9 May at his home in Woyani village, Makueni County. This was done according to his wishes. A special church service was held for him on 8 May at the Nairobi Baptist Church.
Legacy
Mutula Kilonzo founded the Mwaki Foundation in 2007. This foundation was created for his efforts to help others and give back to the community.
