The Bantu have a saying: Motho ke motho ka batho. A person is a person because of other people. This has glued Dickson Mulli into the human he is today.
Mulli left Data Networks Technology as CEO to found Synergy Solutions before dipping his hand in his father’s non-profit rescue centre: Mully Children’s Family (MCF) with over 26,000 children rehabilitated.
The weight of a family name can either be a burden or a responsibility and in that Mulli is no exception. He, however, is his own renaissance man: he has a book, a movie script, more books in the drafts, and is doing his PhD. He terms himself as a lifelong student and prefers to be well-read in the book of experience, the teacher of the teachers.
But life questions everyone and Mulli too had to hand in his answers on the sting of loss. What could be harder than losing a child?
You are from quite a large family, I hear.
Yes, I work with my siblings in running MCF. I have a sister called Grace who is our finance director, I have Isaac, our communications director, and Mueni who is in charge of international relations and others. We also have guest houses as a way of supplementing income.
When I think of MCF it reminds me of how Moses was prepared by God when he was rescued and taken to the king’s palace—getting training on how to be a leader. That is how he could lead the Israelites to the promised land. My parents brought their business acumen into ministry to make sure it is self-sustaining. MCF is large–there are over 320 permanent staff members from teachers to social workers, cooks, and matrons. We also have over 1,000 casual workers in the farms and 200 in the construction departments.
What’s your favourite part of the day?
My son. I love my family—my wife and son. I love work but my highlight is to go home and play with him. Just to be. It fills me with joy and brings perspective to life. It’s not just what you get to do for the community but also the relationship you have with your family.
Do you have a special ritual you do with your son?
Haha! Other than the high fives and special greetings we do? Which he comes up with by the way. I have an office at home as well and he really enjoys sitting across my desk and scribbling. He is five years old. I affirm him that we his parents love him and that he can be the best version of himself, and that it is good to love God and do right. I want him to have a spiritual life with God by introducing it early.
Did growing up in a children’s home influence your decision on the number of children you’d get?
We want more children, you know, but the challenge has been working when you are quite busy. I have written a book—Secrets of the Kingdom—and I have had my life tragedies and just because you do good does not mean life treats you well. We lost a child and that was quite a difficult period for us.
I am sorry for your loss.
Dickson Mulli with his father, Charles Mulli, the founder and CEO of Mully Children's Family during an interview at the MCF Campus in Machakos on November 15, 2024.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
What do you do just for you with so many people surrounding you?
I love writing. My published book—"Secrets of the Kingdom" talks about the specific things that everyone should know. It has been nominated for an award in the US. I am working on a novel and a movie script. When I am not busy, I am writing. I am also starting my PhD next year; I consider myself a student of life.
That’s a lot on your plate—how do you find the time?
My dad told me after I complained that he works so hard, that I shall have enough time to rest when I am dead, and I have gone back to heaven. Just do the best you can because we are here for a limited time. My life motto is derived from Proverbs 21:21 which talks about righteousness and integrity. My mantra is to dream as if you will live forever, and live as if you will die today. But always be present.
What is Dickson changing his mind about lately?
I shall not be young forever. I am 39 now and it is putting perspective on life. You don’t know, you are seeing your parents age, you are losing touch with your friends—age can really sober you up. It has changed what I value in life and as I approach my 40s, I am now seeing things differently. I have so much to offer the world, I am on a reset mode.
What has been the highlight of your 30s?
Losses. I lost a child, a business because of Covid [a hotel], and I lost a dairy as well. I have learned the sting of loss but in those losses, I have gained new perspectives, friends, and a renewed zeal for life and my marriage. I have used the pain of life as fertiliser. I have five drafts of books and published one—I have gained back my desire to be the best version of myself.
What’s something I wouldn’t believe about you?
I have driven across North America, Canada, the US and some parts of Europe. I enjoyed driving and backpacking. I was not always this structured guy you are talking to now haha!
What is a misconception people have about you?
That I am very strict and have it all figured out. People keep saying I have the answers to everything but I seek God in prayer a lot and that’s where my answers come from. Pray in private.
If you could tell me just one thing, what would you tell me?
We are dust and to dust shall we return. Make the best of what you have, with the time that you have. Love, serve and focus on that which matters. Friends are good, and work is good but what matters is meaningful relationships and some [relationships] might not necessarily be reconciled, but forgiveness is for you and not the other person. So learn to let go and be empathetic, because with empathy you are always helping someone else.
