The aroma of nyama choma – traditional Kenyan grilled goat meat – often fills the Muriithi household in Wake Forest, a testament to Felix Muriithi’s commitment to preserving his cultural roots while building bridges in his adopted American community. This dedication to maintaining heritage while embracing service has now led him to make history as the first African American president of East Chapel Hill Rotary Club.

“Harambee – it means ‘all pull together’ in Swahili,” explains Felix, referencing Kenya’s national motto that has guided his approach to community involvement since arriving in the United States in 2004. “This philosophy of collective effort is what drew me to Rotary and what I hope to bring to our club’s leadership.”

Felix’s journey from the rolling hills of Kenya to the heart of North Carolina began with love. His wife, Eva Gichuhi, had already established herself in Apex, working as a cardiovascular nurse at UNC Rex Hospital. When Felix joined her, he carried with him not just his accounting expertise, but the rich cultural traditions of his homeland – traditions that have become woven into the fabric of his American experience.

The transition to American life was smoothed by an extensive network of family. Eva’s six siblings, all settled in the Triangle area, created what Felix describes as a mini-Kenya in North Carolina. “When we gather together, there’s more than 30 of us – siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews,” he says, his face lighting up with the warmth that characterizes Kenyan hospitality. “It’s like having a piece of home right here.”

Felix’s professional journey reflects the immigrant’s pursuit of excellence. Starting with an accounts payable position at Participate Learning in Chapel Hill, he completed his CPA training at NC State. His role as Chief Financial Officer now allows him to support the organization’s mission of bringing international teachers to American classrooms.

“I was fortunate to return to Kenya in April as part of Participate Learning’s teacher recruitment mission,” he shares with a laugh. “While some of my colleagues went on safari, I was reconnecting with the educational community that shaped my values.”

Family remains central to Felix’s American dream. His 24-year-old son Sean has found success as a software engineer in San Francisco, while his 16-year-old daughter excels as a sophomore at Heritage High School, taking piano lessons and singing in the church choir.

“We often walk in the park as a family,” Felix says, describing their routine along the Falls of Neuse Trail.

Felix’s faith journey mirrors his cultural adaptation. While raised Catholic and serving as an altar boy in Kenya, he followed his mother to a Pentecostal church, where teachings about community service resonated deeply with traditional Kenyan values of umoja (unity) and collective responsibility.

“In Kenya, we say mtu ni watu – a person is people – meaning we are only complete when we’re connected to our community.”

This philosophy led Felix to Rotary when friend and mentor Alan Young introduced him to East Chapel Hill Rotary in 2017. “I attended three meetings in a row and was inducted at my fourth,” he recalls. “I never left because I found the same spirit of community that I knew from home.”

As the incoming president for 2025-26, Felix envisions strengthening community bonds through inclusive and sustainable initiatives. “We’re recruiting new members, and I want to ensure they’re engaged because they genuinely want to help,” he says. “I want to embrace that energy while continuing environmental priorities that our Green Team champions.”

“When we bring together diverse perspectives – whether from Kenya, Clayton or Kentucky – we create more imaginative solutions for local challenges,” Felix observes.

Welcome, Felix.