Kiraitu Murungi quits politics to spread happiness at work

After three decades in politics, former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi is stepping down, not to retire, but to teach people how to be happy.

Speaking Tuesday after receiving an honorary doctorate from Laikipia University, Kiraitu opened up about the 2022 election loss.

“I almost went into depression,” he said.

“Politics was all I’d ever known. I’m not going back there.”

That turning point sparked his happiness crusade.

He spent nine months in counselling and intensive classes, learning tools to manage stress, find purpose, and cultivate joy.

Today, he coaches workplaces, teams, and even politicians on building happier, more productive environments.

Kiraitu calls his new approach “low-volume politics”--mostly advisory, no campaign frenzy.

He wants younger leaders to take the political reins while he focuses on spreading happiness.

Even his wife, Priscillah Murungi, welcomed the shift, saying it’s time he focused on life beyond politics.