Veteran Politician Kiraitu Murungi Announces Retirement from Active Politics After Over Three Decades
Former Meru Governor and long-time Kenyan political figure Kiraitu Murungi has officially retired from active politics, marking the end of a career spanning more than 30 years in public service.
The announcement came on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during a ceremony at Laikipia University, where Murungi was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his distinguished contributions to leadership and public service. Speaking to close friends, family, and well-wishers, the veteran politician and lawyer declared that it was time to step aside from electoral contests and the intense demands of frontline politics.
“I have learnt my lessons,” Murungi said, reflecting on his extensive journey. He described his future involvement in politics as “low-volume politics,” limited to offering advisory support rather than seeking any elective office. “Now, I want to share that perspective with others and help people find joy in their professional and personal lives,” he added.
Murungi's decision follows a challenging period after his defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election by Kawira Mwangaza. He openly admitted to experiencing significant emotional turmoil post-loss, including shock, disbelief, sadness, and depression—conditions he described as “post-election depression.” The former governor revealed that he underwent nine months of counselling and participated in structured personal development and happiness classes, which transformed his outlook on life.
“Politics is a place I would not want to go back to,” he stated, emphasizing the toll it took after decades of immersion. Having devoted much of his life to public office, the defeat forced a reevaluation, leading him to prioritize well-being over power.
A key focus of his post-politics phase will be promoting happiness in workplaces through initiatives like his “Happier Employees are More Productive” campaign and the Happiness Society of Kenya. He aims to coach fellow politicians and professionals on life beyond office, helping them navigate transitions and find fulfillment outside politics. Murungi has previously authored works such as Beyond Politics and published a Happiness Journal as Chief Happiness Officer at the Happiness Resource Centre.
Murungi's political career began in 1992 when he was first elected as Member of Parliament for South Imenti Constituency, a seat he held for over two decades. He later served as a Cabinet Minister under President Mwai Kibaki (including roles in energy and justice), Meru Senator in 2013, and Meru Governor from 2017 until 2022. Known for advocating democratic reforms, human rights (including representing political prisoners during the Moi era), and development initiatives like rural electrification and geothermal energy expansion, he has left a lasting legacy in Kenyan governance.
His wife, Priscillah Murungi, welcomed the announcement, expressing relief that he could now pursue a more balanced life away from the rigours of politics.
