Mudavadi mourns Mzee Aggrey Luseno - pioneer African BAT director

Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, May 23, 2025. / OPCS

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has sent a heartfelt condolence message to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Mzee Aggrey Luseno, who passed away on Thursday.

In his message of solace, Mudavadi described Mzee Luseno as a towering figure in Kenya’s private sector, lauding his exemplary leadership and mentorship over the years.

Mudavadi’s statement highlighted Luseno’s pioneering role in corporate Kenya, noting that he was among the first Africans to rise to the top echelons of management in blue-chip companies.

“Late Aggrey Luseno was an institution who navigated the private sector management for many years. He was among the first Africans to ascend the ladder of management in blue chip companies, especially as a director at British American Tobacco (BAT),” Mudavadi stated.

The Prime CS expressed deep sympathy to Luseno’s family, describing their loss as a “trying time of mourning” and urging them to find solace in the profound impact Luseno had on many lives.

“He remains a legacy icon and mentor to many for his exemplary dedication to service. May we find comfort in the deep impact he made on so many lives,” Mudavadi added.

Aggrey Luseno’s career was marked by significant achievements in the private sector.

He was widely recognised for breaking barriers as one of the first Africans to hold senior managerial positions in multinational corporations during a period when such roles were rarely accessible to indigenous Kenyans.

His tenure at British American Tobacco (BAT) as a director set a precedent for future generations of African corporate leaders.

Luseno’s leadership extended beyond corporate boardrooms, as he was also known for mentoring young professionals and advocating for greater African representation in business leadership.

His legacy, according to those who knew him, is defined by integrity, dedication, and a commitment to uplifting others.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, Luseno is remembered as a trailblazer whose contributions to Kenya’s corporate landscape will be felt for years to come.

The nation mourns the loss of a mentor, leader, and icon in the business community.