Why I Quit the United Opposition — Mukhisa Kituyi

Former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi has explained his decision to leave the United Opposition. 

Speaking on Wednesday night, September 9, during an interview, Kituyi said that after he was appointed as the United Opposition spokesperson and head of the secretariat, he made efforts to establish offices for the coalition.

However, he said the constituent parties preferred to run their affairs from their respective party secretariat. 

“When I was designated spokesperson of the United Opposition and head of secretariat, I set about to try to establish a secretariat. I looked around at different properties to set up offices; I even brought some of the furniture I used to have in my political party offices and availed for the purpose.

“But all the constituent parties of the united opposition preferred to run their businesses at their party secretariats and have press conferences at the party secretariat. So, this effort failed even if we had paid a deposit on some secretariat facilities,” he stated. 

The former Trade Minister also pointed out that there were difficulties in having the United Opposition principals take a common position. 

Kituyi also said he felt his role in the United Opposition had become ineffective, with constituent parties promoting their own positions individually instead of speaking with one voice.

“I thought I was just like a cog in the wheel of persons who want to appropriate the space of talking to the media about what they think and what they promise on behalf of their parties,” Kituyi said. 

The former UNCTAD Secretary-General announced that he has since joined the Linda Mwananchi team. 

Kituyi described the Linda Mwananchi movement as a fresh gust of air that can develop a comprehensive agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

Further, he hailed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying he has managed to tap into the young generation. 

“I think Sifuna is the man who can take on this mantle. He has excited a major section of the electorate that nobody had been able to open up: the younger voters. They are a non-tribal political constituency that comes to the table, and they are unlocking Sifuna,” he stated. 

On September 3, 2025, the United Opposition appointed Kituyi as their spokesperson and the Head of Secretariat. 

Kituyi was appointed to the position following a meeting held at the SKM Command Center in Karen. 

“The United Opposition has appointed Hon. Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as their spokesperson and the Head of the Opposition Secretariat,” the opposition team announced.