ODM Communications Director Philip Etale has shared personal memories of the late former Cabinet minister Mutula Kilonzo, painting a portrait of a disciplined, principled leader whose work ethic left a lasting impression on those around him.
In a reflective post on X, Etale recalled his frequent visits to Mutula’s Nairobi office at Corner House, describing the former Mbooni MP as a strict timekeeper who ran his office with military precision.
According to Etale, appointments were non-negotiable, and punctuality was enforced without exception.
He narrated an incident when he arrived late for an appointment due to traffic, only to be turned away at the reception.
Mutula, Etale said, had called the receptionist moments after he arrived and declined to see him, instructing that he keep time in future.
The episode, Etale noted, captured Mutula’s firm belief in order, discipline, and respect for other people’s time.
Etale further revealed that Mutula maintained a detailed diary of appointments and monitored visitors through a CCTV screen mounted in his office.
From there, the late minister could instantly tell who had arrived on time, who was late, and who had no appointment. Etale said he admired this management style, describing it as efficient and instructive.
Beyond the office, Etale spoke of a more personal side of the late politician.
He recalled being invited to Mutula’s rural home in Utangwa, Mbooni, where they held long conversations that shaped his outlook on life and human relationships.
Mutula, he said, expressed deep trust in him as a journalist, even choosing to travel with him from Nairobi to his rural home.
The tribute has resonated widely, reviving memories of Mutula Kilonzo as a leader known not only for his legal brilliance and political influence, but also for discipline, mentorship, and personal integrity.