MULILA:Will Kitui voters give him a chance as governor in 2027?

Among names that have publicly announced their quest for county top seat are Wiper’s Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, county woman representative Irene Kasalu and Senator Enoch Wambua.

 Others are former immediate governor Charity Ngilu, UDA’s Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke and former CS Peninah Malonza.

However, Makali, Wambua and Kasalu will have to face off in the Wiper nominations to determine who gets the party's  ticket. Wiper is the most popular party in the county and the region.

Ngilu faces no opposition for party ticket on her Narc party. But what has baffled and made the gubernatorial race interesting and complex is the entry of Nicholas Mulila, the Chief Corporate Security Officer at Safaricom PLC that has sent Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper party camp into panic and jittery.

Mr Mulila stands out as an accomplished personality with skills in financial management and strategic governance. Many describe him as a man who fits the bill as a “solutions governor” and not the “crisis governor” who will misuse his office to waste public funds.

The Safaricom Security Officer said he will strive to be different from his two predecessors, Ms Ngilu and Dr Malombe 'by being humble servants of the people'.

 “I pledge to demonstrate commitment to using funds for defined recurrent and development programmes. After being sworn-in, my work will be cut out in dealing with the challenges I will have inherited from my predecessors. I will build on opportunities to make devolution work for the people,” Mulila said.

He has 20 years’ experience in strategy formulation and execution, financial management, business analysis, risk management and corporate governance, qualifications that make him above other gubernatorial aspirants.

Married with two children, the candidate who hails from Musengo in Kitui West, prior to joining Safaricom, worked for General Motors (EA) and Eastern Produce (K) Ltd, where he held various positions in finance.

Mulila holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in Strategy and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Accounting Option) from the University of Nairobi.

He is a Professional Accountant and Company Secretary, a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) as well as the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya (ICSK), member of the American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS) and a member of the Institute of Directors (Kenya).

Mulila is a humble in personality, a feature that he says is a transformative leader ideal for  Kitui.

In the heart of the county with eight sub counties and constituencies, his name keeps echoing - not through noise, but through impact.

Known for his humility and unmatched ability to mobilize resources, Mulila has quietly led a wave of transformation without seeking the limelight. His belief that _“no one should have it all while others have little”_ is not just a saying; it’s the foundation of his work.

In education, Mulila has supported the construction of schools, championed community- driven improvements, and helped secure bursaries for students from vulnerable backgrounds. His presence in learning institutions is not symbolic - it’s practical and consistent.

In health and water sectors, he has helped improve clinics and health access, while also ensuring water reaches underserved villages through borehole projects. These efforts have drastically improved daily life and dignity for countless households.

The Safaicom officer has also uplifted churches and faith-based institutions, funding projects and attending gatherings across denominations. Most notably, he is become a strong pillar in economic empowerment, helping youth and families access job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

Mulila’s work is proof that real change is possible through humility, action, and community spirit. 

He is not just a leader; he is a quiet revolution in motion.