In Loving Memory of

John Muli Kiilu

April 1936 – September 2026

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Order of Service Watch Livestream

Program

Order of Service

Presiding Minister: Bishop Dr. Benjamin Kalanzo
Assisted by: Reverend Stephen Mbinda
Master of Ceremony: Pastor Cyrus Nzuki
Coordinator: Samson Muinde
Transport Manager: Richard Kyalo

08:00 AM
Prayers and departure
Montezuma Mortuary, Machakos
09:00 AM
Arrival at the deceased’s home
Kimutwa
09:30 AM
Body taken to the house
For rest and prayers
10:30 AM
Refreshments / Early Lunch
11:30 AM
Tributes, Choir Ministry & Funeral Service
Welcome Speech, Congregational Hymns, Eulogy, Sermon, Tributes from Family, Church & Community
—
Procession & Burial Rites
Procession to the burial site & Interment rites

Section two

Eulogy

1936
Birth & Early Life
John Muli Kiilu was born in April 1936, son of the late Titus Kiilu Nginya and the late Mulewa Kiilu. He grew up in a home marked by faith and discipline, alongside his sister Pricilla Ndūlu and his brothers, the late Mwalimu Kiilu and Sammy Musembi Kiilu.
He was born into a Kenya that was not yet his own. It was a British colony at the time, administered from Nairobi, and Machakos and the wider Ukamba region were designated an African reserve under colonial rule. Mission schools were, for most African children of that era, the only door to formal education, and it was through one of them that John would take his first steps toward the life ahead of him.
Nobody in that household could have guessed how far young John would travel, or how many congregations, workshops and railway yards would come to call him one of their own.
John's education began at Katoloni Primary School. He then moved on to Muthini Intermediate Top School in Machakos, where he completed his basic schooling. These were the years that built the foundation for a working life that would soon carry him far beyond Ukambani.
1954
East Africa Railways & Harbours
In 1954, at just eighteen, John joined the East Africa Railways and Harbours. He trained at the Railway Training School in Nairobi and was posted to the Railway Workshops, the first step in a career that would span thirty-eight years and three countries.
1958
Marriage to Susan Mwikali
In 1958 he married the late Susan Mwikali. Together they raised eight children. Jonathan Nzuki, Benjamin Muasa and Regina Nduku born in Nairobi. Dr. Jones Rama, Rose Mutio Mutava were born in Moshi. Eunice Kanini was born in Tabora while Gilbert Mbithi later followed and was born in Dodoma. The last born Jeremiah Kiamba was born in Gulu, Uganda. Susan remained his steady partner through every posting, every transfer, and every new town the railway asked them to call home.
1964–1992
Travels across Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
The railway moved John constantly, and each move meant packing up a young family and starting again somewhere new. In 1964 he was sent to Moshi, Tanzania, as a trainee shed master. Three years later, in 1967, he was transferred to Tabora. By 1969 he had earned his promotion to Shed Master and was posted to Kasese, Uganda. The following year took him to Dodoma, Tanzania, and in 1971 to Gulu, Uganda. In 1974 he moved again, first to Tanga for 6 months and then back to Moshi.
He attended supervisory and management training programs and seminars at the Railway Training School, where he enhanced his professional knowledge and technical expertise in steam and diesel locomotive engines. By the time the East African Community officially collapsed in 1977, John had been transferred to Voi and had already served for 2 years. A stint in Mombasa soon followed in the same year 1977, Eldoret in 1981, and finally, in 1984, the Nairobi headquarters, where he served in the Mechanical Engineering department until his retirement in 1992.
Always
Father, Provider & Farmer
To his eight children, John was more than a father. He was a hero, a champion of peace, a man of integrity, a man whose life overflowed with love. He set the standard for the family, laying a foundation built on hard work, fairness, honesty, and responsibility.
He showed his children that success was never only about what you achieve, but about the values you live by. He also believed, without apology, that family came first, and he backed that belief with abundance. There was always food on the table, and not just food: plenty of good, quality food. When it came to providing, John set the bar high.
He took his family on first-class travel and turned school holidays into adventures, visiting new places, tasting new cuisines, meeting people who lived differently than they did. He wanted his children to dream big, work hard, and scale the heights, and he showed them how by doing it himself.
At home, he loved just as fiercely. His love for his wife, Susan Mwikali, was deep, evident, and unwavering (his children still say, in Swahili, Ulimpenda Mama yetu sana, he loved our mother so much), and through watching the two of them together, his children learned what commitment and true companionship actually look like.
Away from the railway and the pulpit, John's other great passion was the soil. He loved nature, and he threw himself into tree planting and farming with the same energy he gave everything else. His farm grew mangoes, oranges, avocados, eggplants, bananas, and lemons, planted not only to feed his own household but to provide for his extended family, his clan, and generations not yet born.
Family
Children-in-Law, Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren
His family grew with time as his Sons and Daughters married and had their own children. He welcomed children-in-Law: Jennifer Nzuki, Susan Nduku, Patricia Mbithi, Maureen Muli, David Mutava and Jeremiah Kaviti. He was also blessed with grandchildren: Ken Kioko, Dennis Nginya & Valentine Nginya, Esther Mutheu, Rachel Mutindi, Edwin Kaviu, Beatrice Mumbe, Allan Muli, Eunice Mwende, Timothy Wambua, Susan Mwikali, Gideon Kaviti, Brian Kiilu, Letty Mwikali, the Late Cpt. Kevin Mwanza, Joan Mukenyi, Joy Mwikali, Prudence Mueni, Giovanni Muli, Albert Muli & Cynthia Muli, Oscar Katua and Abigail Mutheu.
He was equally blessed to have Great Grand children, namely: Sean Mwenda, Reagan Mwendwa, Ashley Pendo, Amorette Neema, Allia Rehema, Shanice Mumbe, Alaine Nduku and Lael Wendo, Tadala Mwikali, Zera Nyangasi and Nova Mwanza.
1986
Church Ministry & AIC Katumani
Even as his railway career wound toward its final years, John felt God pulling him in a new direction. He answered the call to serve as a church Elder at AIC Kimutwa, and in 1986 he was sent to start a Sunday school at the Katumani Research Station, gathering the children of KARI Katumani staff for lessons held under a tree, with no walls and no roof but the sky.
What started under that tree did not stay small. With his wife Susan at his side, and a handful of founding members who believed in what they were building, John helped plant AIC Katumani. He served as its Pastor until 1995, when he returned to AIC Kimutwa, the church that had called him into ministry in the first place.
2026
A Life Celebrated
In May 2026, the family gathered to celebrate John's 90th birthday, a joyful, sprawling occasion that drew in the entire extended family. Nobody knew it then, but for some of those who came, it would be the last time they saw him.
Toward the end of June, John began to fall ill. He held on through as complications of old age manifested before succumbing to the conditions of old age, at ninety years. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Thank you, Dad, for loving us unconditionally, for your faithfulness, for providing, protecting, teaching, guiding, and believing in us. Thank you for setting the standard. Thank you for laying the foundation. Thank you for showing us how to live. Your physical presence may no longer be with us, but your values, your love, your laughter, your wisdom, and your legacy will live on through all of us.
Rest well, Dad. We will carry your name with pride. We will carry your values with honour. And we will continue the legacy you so faithfully built. We love you, Dad. We will miss you dearly.

Sing along

Hymns

Choose Kamba or Swahili, then tap a hymn to open its words during the service.

Section three

Tributes

Collective Tributes

Tribute from

Sons (Joe, Ben, Jones, Gilly & Jere)

Dad, with grateful hearts, we, your sons, stand together today to honour and celebrate your remarkable life. Dad, we stand tall and proud to carry your name. We are the Mulis! Your name is more than a family name to us; it is a legacy, a responsibility, and a source of great pride. You taught us to carry it with dignity, honour, and integrity. Dad, you took us to school and, more importantly, you made sure we stayed there. You believed in education and understood that it was one of the greatest gifts you could give your children. Because of your commitment, sacrifice, and determination to educate us, we are who we are today. You invested in our future when we were too young to understand the magnitude of what you were doing for us. Dad, you relentlessly took us to church. You did not simply tell us about God; you showed us how to live a life that honours Him. You taught us the importance of faith, discipline, honesty, and righteousness. You pointed us to Christ and constantly encouraged us to participate fully in the life and activities of the church. Dad, you also introduced us to the world. You exposed us to good things and gave us experiences that many children could only dream of. Even today, we still wonder how you managed it! Imagine taking your children on first-class travels across East Africa! Those journeys were not just about travelling; they were about opening our eyes to the world, giving us confidence, creating memories, and teaching us that life could be bigger than what we saw around us. When we came of age and began building our own families, you never abandoned us. You stood by each one of us. You guided us, supported us, and gave us the confidence to become fathers and husbands in our own right. You were especially proud to see your grandchildren. You made sure they knew that they belonged to the Muli clan. You welcomed them, loved them, and gave them a sense of belonging that they will carry throughout their lives. Dad, through your life, you taught us what it means to live honourably - with integrity, kindness, humility, courage, and respect for others. You taught us that a man's true wealth is not only what he owns, but also the lives he touches and the legacy he leaves behind. You were our father, our teacher, our guide, and our example. Today, we feel the pain of losing you, but we also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude that God gave us you. Gratitude for the years we shared. Gratitude for the lessons you taught us. Gratitude for the sacrifices you made for us. And gratitude for the beautiful family and legacy you leave behind. Dad, as we say goodbye, we promise to carry forward what you taught us. We will carry your name with pride. We will continue to uphold the values you instilled in us. We will look after our families, love our children, support one another, and above all, continue walking in the faith you taught us. Your physical presence may no longer be with us, but your voice, your wisdom, your laughter, your values, and your love will continue to speak through us. You did your part, Dad. You gave us a strong foundation. You ran your race with dignity. Now, rest. Rest in the peace of Christ. You will forever be remembered, deeply loved, and greatly missed.

— Your loving sons, Joe, Ben, Jones, Gilly & Jere

Individual Tributes

Sons & Daughters

Dad loved us and gave us an education. He laid a strong foundation of respect for one another, and Christian values were never left behind. You led by example, teaching us to be hardworking, always conduct ourselves with dignity, and remain independent. Your wisdom and guidance shaped us into the people we are today. We will forever cherish the values you instilled in us and carry your legacy forward.
Regina Nduku

My Dad...Tata.... If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. You gave us everything. You were the kindest, most humble and loving father anyone could ask for. You believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. You stood with us through every season. It hurts to let you go, but we are comforted because we know you are resting with the Lord. Thank you for being the best Dad. We will forever cherish your legacy. Rest well, our beloved father.
Rose Mutio

Dad, words can never fully express what you meant to me. Thank you for teaching & modelling a godly character. You were not only my father; you were my friend. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for the wisdom and guidance. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to give me the best. Thank you for the many jokes you shared, I will always treasure the lovely moments we shared. What a gentleman you were! I am proud of you! Best dad ever! Rest in peace until we meet again.
Eunice Muli

Farewell, Dad. Though you are gone, your spirit will live on forever in our hearts. Your legacy of love, compassion, and light will continue to shine brightly. You were a wonderful person, and your kindness will always be remembered. I will miss your guidance, your laughter, and the stories you shared about your life and work experiences. Thank you for the beautiful memories and the precious gifts you bequeathed to my family. We shall forever be grateful for them. I believe you are now in a better place, free from worries and suffering. Rest easy, Dad, until we meet again. One last thing—give Mum a big hug for me.
Gilbert Muli

Dad, you were the best father in the whole world. You were my hero—a champion of peace, a man of integrity, and a man whose life was full of love. You set the standards for our family. You laid a firm foundation and taught us the principles of hard work, fairness, honesty, and responsibility. You showed us that success is not only about what we achieve, but also about the values we live by. Dad, you always ensured that we had food on the table—not just food, but plenty of good, quality food! You believed that family comes first. And when it came to providing for us, you certainly set the bar high. Travel was first class—yes, Dad, you really knew how to spoil us! You showed us how to dream big, work hard, and scale the heights. Growing up was fun because of you. School holidays meant travelling, visiting amazing places, experiencing different cultures, and enjoying different cuisines. You gave us memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. The legacy you leave behind is immeasurable. Today, we carry your name with pride, honour, and joy. Dad, you taught us how to love genuinely and passionately by the example you lived. Ulimpenda Mama yetu sana. Your love for Mama was evident, deep, and unwavering. Through you, we learned what commitment, companionship, and true love look like. You were passionate about everything you did. You loved nature and were especially passionate about tree planting and farming. Your farm was full of mangoes, oranges, avocados, eggplants, bananas, lemons, and so much more. You planted not only for yourself, but for your family, your clan, and generations to come. Even in your farming, you were thinking about others. Dad, you pointed us in the direction of the church and, more importantly, you led by example. You taught us that faith is not merely something we talk about, but something we live. Thank you, Dad, for loving us unconditionally. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for providing, protecting, teaching, guiding, and believing in us. Thank you for setting the standard. Thank you for laying the foundation. Thank you for showing us how to live. Your physical presence may no longer be with us, but your values, your love, your laughter, your wisdom, and your legacy will live on through all of us. Rest well, Dad. We will carry your name with pride. We will carry your values with honour. And we will continue the legacy you so faithfully built. We love you, Dad. We will miss you dearly. May your soul rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.
Jeremiah Muli