Kitui’s veteran politician and former Senator David Musila has announced his exit from active elective politics, bringing to a close a long and illustrious career in public service that spanned both the civil service and elective leadership. Musila, who retired from the civil service in 1988, transitioned seamlessly into public and international service, later serving as a consultant on tourism for the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) until 2010. His career has been defined by discipline, policy depth and a lifelong commitment to serving the public.
David Musila first entered Parliament in 1997 after being elected as a KANU Member of Parliament. He successfully retained his seat in 2002 after moving to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) wing of NARC, and was re-elected in Mwingi South. His colleagues elected him Deputy Speaker in the 2003 Parliament, a role that underscored his stature and experience in legislative leadership. He went on to defend his seat again in the 2007 General Election on an ODM–Kenya ticket, cementing his reputation as a seasoned and resilient politician.
In April 2008, President Mwai Kibaki appointed Musila as Assistant Minister for Defence, a position he held until 2013. In the landmark 2013 General Election held on March 4, Musila was elected as the first Senator of Kitui County after garnering 156,690 votes. In the Senate, he served diligently in the Committee on Energy, Roads and Transport, where he championed infrastructure development and equitable resource distribution. He also served in the Parliamentary Service Commission, chairing the Security and Development Committee, and sitting in the Audit Committee and the Staff Welfare Committee, roles that reflected the trust placed in his leadership and integrity.
Beyond elective politics, Musila has also played a key role in party leadership, having served as the Chairman of the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya before his resignation. An accomplished author, he penned a memoir titled “Seasons of Hope,” documenting his journey and experiences as a public servant. While announcing his retirement from active politics, Musila emphasized that he remains committed to walking with his people, mentoring leaders and linking communities to government. He also endorsed President William Ruto for a full two-term tenure, citing the need for stability and continuity, positioning himself firmly as an elder statesman whose influence and counsel will continue to shape public affairs in Kitui and beyond.
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