The Founder - Mully Children's Family

Prof. Charles Mutua Mulli is a renowned philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and environmentalist. He is the founder and CEO of Mully Children’s Family (MCF), a Christian-based non-profit that works with underprivileged and disadvantaged populations in Kenya and Tanzania. The docu-drama MULLY depicts his remarkable life story and his impact on thousands of children and youths.

Prof. Mulli was born in 1949 in Kathithyamaa Village in Kangundo, Machakos, Kenya. He was abandoned by his family at the age of six and spent his childhood and adolescence begging for food. He completed his primary education in 1966 but could not afford to enter secondary school. He accepted Jesus Christ as his saviour at the age of 17 after having a life-changing experience in a youth church service. He walked three days to Nairobi in search of employment and found work as a domestic worker in a private home. He later worked as a farm assistant, a store manager, and a data clerk in various companies.

In 1970, Prof. Mulli bought his first vehicle and started a public transport service between Eldoret and Nyaru. He also ventured into the agricultural business and founded Mullyways Agencies, a transportation conglomerate, in the 1970s. He amassed assets valued at millions of shillings and became a successful businessman. He also served as the chairman of the boards for several local and international schools in Kenya between 1970 and 1991, such as Kessup Girls’ Schools, Kaptagat Preparatory School, and Chebisaas High School.

The Turning Point

In 1986, Charles Mulli experienced a life-changing moment when he felt a strong call from God to give up his wealth and dedicate his life to helping vulnerable children. This calling led him to sell his businesses and use his resources to care for street children, the marginalised, and those who had been neglected by society. His decision shocked his family and friends, but Mulli believed his mission was to break the cycle of poverty and offer hope to the hopeless.

In 1989, Prof. Mulli sold all his property and businesses and dedicated the proceeds to helping street children through rescue, shelter, medical care, psychosocial support, and education. He founded Mully Children’s Family (MCF) with the vision of transforming the lives of society’s most vulnerable and marginalised children.

Legacy and Faith

Since then, MCF has grown to have eleven (11) campuses and more than 8,000 children and youths currently in its centres in Machakos, Kitale, Kilifi, Lodwar, Malindi, Dares Salaam, and Ukerewe in Tanzania. MCF also engages in environmental conservation, community development, healthcare services, sustainable farming, and advocacy activities, among other interventions. Prof. Mulli and his wife, Esther Nthenya, have taken in more than 35,000 abandoned children and youths as their own, providing them with a loving family and a bright future over the last 35 years.

Prof. Mull’s work over the years has earned him numerous international awards and recognition. For instance, in 2009, he was honoured with the UN Environment Programme Champion of the Earth award for his significant contributions to environmental conservation through sustainable practices at Mully Children’s Family. His advocacy for children’s rights earned him the World’s Children’s Prize in 2016, often referred to as the “Children’s Nobel Prize.” In Kenya, Prof. Mulli has received the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for his substantial contributions to social welfare and community development. Additionally, he has been awarded honorary doctorates and a professorship from various institutions across the world in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and impact on education and social justice. His story was also made into a documentary film, Mully Movie, which has inspired many worldwide to engage in humanitarian efforts.

At the heart of Mulli’s work is his deep Christian faith. He credits his transformation to his personal relationship with God and sees his mission as living out the biblical command to care for the least of these. His faith has guided every decision and step along the way, from his decision to sell everything to the continual expansion of MCF’s outreach. He often says, “It is not me; it is Christ working through me.”

Marriage and Family.

Dr Mulli married Esther Nthenya in 1970 with whom they have seven biological children. The children in part grew up when MCF was in its early years of operations and service to humanity. The young ones had the privilege of attending school with the MCF beneficiaries in both primary and high school, while the older ones joined their father in service to the less fortunate children. Today, all the biological children have embraced the vision and directly serve the ministry in different capacities.

Publications

To advance the ministry of Mully Children’s Family and the Mully Model, Dr Mulli has authored and has also been the subject of autobiographies, docudrama, conference papers and talk shows.

The books and autobiographies among others are;

The Mully Movie

Mully Movie is an inspiring documentary that tells the remarkable true story of Charles Mulli, a man who rose from being an abandoned child on the streets of Kenya to becoming a successful businessman and ultimately, the founder of the largest children’s rescue, rehabilitation, and development organization in Africa.

Directed by Scott Haze, the film chronicles Mully’s journey from wealth to selfless service. After achieving significant financial success, Mully felt a profound calling to help orphaned and vulnerable children. Against the advice of his family and community, he gave up his business empire to dedicate his life to rescuing and caring for thousands of children.

The documentary highlights the incredible impact of Mully’s work through the Mully Children’s Family (MCF), which has transformed the lives of over 35,000 children. The film showcases the challenges and triumphs of Mully’s mission, emphasizing themes of faith, perseverance, and the power of one individual’s commitment to making a difference.

For anyone interested in stories of transformation, faith, and social impact, the Mully Movie is a powerful and uplifting watch. It not only provides a deep insight into Mully’s life and work but also serves as a testament to the potential for positive change when one follows their calling with unwavering dedication.

The Mully Movie has received significant recognition, winning over 20 awards and earning several other nominations. Some of the notable awards include:

Audience Award for Documentary Feature at the Austin Film Festival (2015)
Programmer’s Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Virginia Film Festival (2015)
Audience Choice Award for Best Picture at the Playhouse West Film Festival (2017)
Grand Jury Award for Best Director and Best Picture at the Playhouse West Film Festival (2017)
Best Original Score for a Documentary Film by the International Film Music Critics Award (2018)
Man in the Mirror Award at the Bentonville Film Festival (2017)
Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature Film and Best Documentary Feature at the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival (2016)

These accolades highlight the film’s powerful storytelling and the profound impact of Prof. Charles Mulli’s life and work.