Makueni: 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. He noted that her intellect and dedication translated into tangible transformational development success for the residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mutula further emphasized that Dr Nzilani was an approachable, good listener committed to 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 is demonstrated by her department, which 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.
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 grow trees,’ he stated.
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. In tourism, she made the Nzaui and Mbui Nzaui hills destinations for hiking, formed the Hospitality Association, ensured local hotels were accredited, and developed a document for the South Eastern Economic Tourism Circuit.
During the burial, the governor announced the creation of an Education Fund for Dr Nzilani’s children, managed by three people from the county government, including CECM for Finance Damaris Kavoi and County Secretary Dr. Justine Kyambi. ‘I reveal that a million-shilling fund has been set up 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.
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. Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika acknowledged Dr Nzilani’s brilliance, urging leaders to ensure her children continue their education.
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, and 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.
