The United Opposition has appointed former Kimilili MP Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as its official spokesperson and Head of Secretariat, in a move seen as bolstering the coalition’s credibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The announcement was made Wednesday evening by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka following a meeting of opposition heavyweights at his Karen command centre. The session brought together Kalonzo, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party–Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party’s Justin Muturi, Jubilee’s Torome Saitoti, former Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i and Mithika Linturi, alongside Dr. Kituyi.
Dr. Kituyi brings decades of political and diplomatic experience to the alliance. An academic and seasoned negotiator, he served as Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 2013 to 2021. Before that, he was Kenya’s Minister of Trade and Industry (2002–2007), where he chaired the COMESA and African Trade Ministers’ Councils, led Eastern and Southern Africa’s negotiations in the Economic Partnership Agreements, and played a key role in World Trade Organization talks.
Domestically, Kituyi represented Kimilili Constituency in Parliament for 15 years, serving as Chief Opposition Whip and chair of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee. He stepped down from UNCTAD in 2021 to pursue a presidential bid but later backed Raila Odinga’s 2022 campaign.
His new role is seen as pivotal in shaping the opposition’s messaging and coordination. “Appointing Dr. Kituyi gives the coalition both credibility and international stature,” Kalonzo said in his announcement.
The United Opposition, an alliance of six parties, remains fluid without a formal coalition agreement but is keen to present a united front. Insiders say Wednesday’s meeting was meant to dispel rumours of internal disunity and to plan a joint political tour of Kisii on September 8.
Gachagua, who recently declared his presidential ambitions, joined other leaders in affirming their commitment to dialogue on a joint ticket to challenge President William Ruto.
With Kituyi at the helm of its secretariat, the opposition hopes to strengthen its policy strategy and portray a cohesive alternative government-in-waiting.
