Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi is back in government after President William Ruto appointed him the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Competition Authority of Kenya, marking his return to public service nearly four years after losing the Meru gubernatorial race.
The appointment was made through a Gazette Notice dated June 26, with Kiraitu set to serve for three years.
The notice also revoked the appointment of Charles W. Mahinda, who previously chaired the board.
Kiraitu’s latest appointment is being viewed as one of the biggest political comebacks in recent months. Since his defeat in the 2022 General Election, the veteran politician has largely kept a low profile, making only occasional appearances on national political issues.
A seasoned lawyer and one of Kenya’s longest-serving politicians, Kiraitu has held several senior positions over the years, including Cabinet minister, Member of Parliament, Senator and Governor of Meru. He also played a prominent role in the constitutional reform process during former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
According to the Gazette Notice signed by President Ruto, Kiraitu will now chair the board of the Competition Authority of Kenya, the agency responsible for protecting consumers, promoting fair competition and investigating anti-competitive business practices across the country.
The authority also reviews major mergers and acquisitions to ensure they do not harm competition in the market.
The appointment comes at a time when President Ruto continues to make changes in the leadership of state corporations as his administration seeks to strengthen governance in key public institutions.
The Gazette Notice reads in part: “I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Kiraitu Murungi to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Competition Authority for a period of three years.”
Although the role is non-executive, it places Kiraitu at the centre of one of the country’s most influential regulatory agencies at a time when Kenya is witnessing increased business mergers, acquisitions and growing concerns over consumer protection.
His return is also likely to spark fresh political debate, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where experienced leaders who have been out of elective politics continue to find their way back into public service through appointments to strategic state agencies.
For Kiraitu, the appointment marks yet another chapter in a political career spanning more than three decades, proving that despite stepping away from elective office, he remains one of the country’s most experienced public figures.