Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi has announced his retirement from active politics, signalling a shift from electoral competition to promoting happiness and mentoring politicians. The former county boss admitted to struggling after the 2022 defeat. The veteran politician’s announcement came on Tuesday morning, January 27, immediately after receiving an honorary doctorate from Laikipia University in recognition of his decades-long service in public leadership. Why is Kiraitu Murungi retiring from politics? Addressing friends, family, and well-wishers, the lawyer said the decision followed more than 30 years of active involvement in Kenya’s political arena. “I have learnt my lessons. After serving for over 30 years in active politics, it is time to call it quits and focus on spreading happiness,” Murungi said during the award ceremony.
Murungi’s political journey began in 1992 when he was first elected as a Member of Parliament. Over the years, he served as a cabinet minister under President Mwai Kibaki, won the Meru Senate seat in 2013, and later became Meru governor in 2017. He was defeated in the 2022 gubernatorial election by Kawira Mwangaza, a loss that he candidly admits was difficult to process. Reflecting on that defeat, Murungi revealed he struggled with what he calls “post-election depression.” He described spending much of his adult life in politics and being unprepared for life outside it. “It is true I was very, very unhappy when I lost the elections. I thought I would win. Every politician thinks they are going to win. They are very surprised when they lose. I think the chairman there can tell you. And then you have no plan B. So, it comes, you are totally lost. There’s something called post-election depression, which I know very properly,” Murungi admitted.
What influenced Murungi’s new path?
It was during this challenging period that Murungi discovered the field of positive psychology and happiness studies. He enrolled in a nine-month program designed to explore the science of happiness, which shifted his perspective on life and success. The former MP said he realised that instead of dwelling on losses, he could celebrate his many victories and use his experience to help others find meaning and fulfilment. “I came to discover I had no reason to be unhappy. Because I had won so many elections. I had lost only one. So, why am I not celebrating the ones I had won? And, you know, spending my days mourning this only one,” he added. Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi during a past press briefing as Meru governor. Photo: Kiraitu Murungi . Source: Facebook Murungi explained that happiness is a universal aspiration and should not be tied solely to wealth, prestige, or power. He emphasised that workplaces, where people spend the majority of their waking hours, are often toxic and stressful. This realisation has inspired him to introduce a “Workplace Happiness Program,” aimed at improving the well-being of employees across different sectors. Despite speculation about a potential political comeback ahead of the 2027 elections, Murungi clarified that he would instead adopt what he calls “low volume politics,” offering advisory services. His wife, Priscillah Murungi, welcomed the decision, noting that it was the right time for her husband to focus on new pursuits.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
