Mukhisa Kituyi has joined the growing Linda Mwananchi political movement, stepping into an opposition camp that is bringing together prominent leaders as political parties and politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Cabinet minister and former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) secretary-general made his entry on Wednesday after meeting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at his office alongside Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Sifuna welcomed Kituyi into the movement, saying his experience would strengthen the opposition-backed outfit as efforts to bring leaders together continue.
“Humbled to receive Hon Mukhisa Kituyi at the office this morning in the company of my Senate colleagues Sen Khalwale and Sen Osotsi,” Sifuna said.
“Hon Kituyi will be a great addition to the Linda Mwananchi team! Karibu Omwami,” he added.
Kituyi’s move adds another experienced political figure to Linda Mwananchi, which has in recent weeks attracted opposition leaders as they explore ways of working together and building a political vehicle ahead of the 2027 polls.
Sifuna and Khalwale have been among the prominent figures associated with the movement as political discussions and alliances continue to take shape.
Kituyi brings a long political and public service career to the group, having served in elective politics, government, academia and international trade diplomacy.
He represented Kimilili in Parliament for 15 years, first winning the seat in 1992 on a Ford-Kenya ticket. He retained the constituency in the 1997 and 2002 elections.
During his years in Parliament, Kituyi served in opposition leadership roles and was involved in parliamentary committees, including Defence and Foreign Affairs.
After the 2002 General Election, then-President Mwai Kibaki appointed Kituyi Minister for Trade and Industry, a position he held until 2007.
As Trade Minister, Kituyi took part in regional and international trade talks and held several leadership roles in continental and regional trade bodies.
He chaired the COMESA Council of Ministers, the African Trade Ministers’ Council and the Council of Ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
He was also the lead negotiator for Eastern and Southern African countries during talks on an EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreement.
Before joining elective politics, Kituyi worked in research and development, including at Norway’s Christian Michelsen Institute and the African Centre for Technology Studies in Nairobi.
He also worked as a programme officer at the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.
His latest political move comes as leaders and political parties continue to review their alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential and parliamentary elections, with opposition figures seeking broader cooperation and a possible common political platform.