By P, KNA
Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has described the late County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Markets and Tourism Dr Sonia Nzilani as a deliberate steward leader whose intellect and dedication translated into tangible transformation development success to the residents.
Mutula further emphasised that Dr Nzilani was approachable, good listener who was committed in setting high standards and excellence in the county that he said should be emulated by many.
“Her calling was not by ticking boxes as usual in government, but Dr Nzilani was deliberate in delivering results and impact. This demonstrated by her department has been crowned the best in 2023 and 2024 respectively,” said Mutula while addressing mourners at Yinzau Village in Makindu Subcounty during the burial ceremony on Saturday.
“It is clear to me that our development agenda mantra was on the hands of a heart and competent Waziri who set high standards, and excellence across the county that should be emulated,” he added.
Also, the governor praised the CECM for being a champion of growing trees and conserving wetland ecosystems in the county when she served the Department of Lands, Urban and Environment and Climate Change.
“She planted trees and nurtured seedlings and restored wetlands and other ecosystems. For this initiative, she inspired many to growing trees,” he posed.
“Also, Dr Sonia initiated the greening of markets. Strengthened local markets by conducting elections in 198 markets. Created a unified private sector voice and championed digital innovation in trade by launching E-market,” said Mutula.
In Tourism, she made Nzaui and Mbui Nzaui hills as destinations of hiking, formed Hospitality Association and ensured local hotels were accredited besides coming up with a document for the South Eastern Economic Tourism Circuit.
During the burial, the governor created an Education Fund for Dr Nzilani’s children that will be managed by three people from the county government who include CECM for Finance Damaris Kavoi and County Secretary Dr. Justine Kyambi.
“I reveal that a million shillings fund has been set to support Dr Nzilani’s children, through their education, calling it a good tribute to a leader who valued learning and service,” noted the governor.
Speaking at the burial, Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe also promised to support the family, affirming that Sonia’s legacy would be safeguarded and her children’s future secured.
On her part, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika noted that Dr Sonia was a young brilliant and intelligent person adding that the children should be assisted to continue with their education.
“I ask the governor and all the leaders here, to see what can be done for these children to continue with their education,” said Mbaika.
The fund, created in memory of Dr Nzilani’s commitment to community development, was welcomed by mourners as a concrete step toward sustaining the values she lived by.
Other leaders present included Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, County Executive Committee Members from the lower Eastern Region Members of County Assembly, government officials among others.
Dr Nzilani was found dead at her Makindu home, Makueni. The postmortem confirmed that she died of cardiac tamponade, a condition where fluid buildup around the heart prevents it from functioning properly. She had been living with the condition for more than a decade. She is survived by two children.
