Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has returned to public service after President William Ruto appointed him as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK).
The appointment, which takes effect from June 26, 2026, was formalised through a Gazette Notice issued by the President. Murungi will serve a three-year term at the helm of the competition regulator.
Murungi Replaces Charles Mahinda
The Gazette Notice also revoked the appointment of Charles Mahinda, clearing the way for Murungi to assume leadership of the CAK board.
The notice states that the appointment was made under the provisions of the Competition Act and the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 10 (1)(a) of the Competition Act, as read together with Section 51(1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, appoint Kiraitu Murungi to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Competition Authority for a period of three years with effect from June 26, 2026,” the Gazette Notice reads.
Return to Public Service After Political Retirement
Murungi’s appointment comes just months after he publicly announced his retirement from elective politics following more than three decades in public office.
Speaking earlier this year, the former governor said he had decided to shift his focus from competitive politics to mentoring emerging leaders and promoting discussions around leadership, governance and personal wellbeing.
He explained that his defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election had a profound emotional impact, prompting him to reflect on life beyond elective office.
Murungi Opens Up About Post-Election Depression
Murungi previously revealed that losing the Meru gubernatorial race left him struggling with what he described as post-election depression, saying many politicians are often unprepared for life after defeat.
He admitted that the experience forced him to rethink his priorities and inspired his interest in advocating for happiness and mental well-being.
“It is true, I was very unhappy when I lost the election. Every politician expects to win, and when that does not happen, many are left without a plan for what comes next,” he said during an earlier public address.
Focus on Advisory Role
Although he has stepped away from seeking elective office, Murungi has maintained that he will continue contributing to Kenya’s democratic development through advisory and mentorship roles.
He describes his current engagement as “low-temperature politics,” where he intends to offer counsel on governance and leadership without participating in active political campaigns.
His appointment to the Competition Authority board marks his first major public office since leaving the Meru governor’s seat after the 2022 General Election.
