Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi has come out to explain why he decided to retire from politics.

While speaking during an interview on Jadiel Kabiro’s podcast, the 74-year-old clarified that retiring from politics does not mean he has abandoned the political scene.

He explained that after failing to defend his Meru gubernatorial seat, where he lost to Kawira Mwangaza after serving as governor for only five years, and reflecting on his long career in politics—starting as an MP, then a senator, and finally a one-term governor—he felt it was appropriate to leave elective politics and contribute to the political space in other ways without fully participating in the political scene.

“You know, I did contest in the last elections, which I lost, and looking back, I thought I had enough time there. But five years in politics is a long time. So, it is better to say I retired rather than to say I quit,” he said.

He went on to state that he decided to pursue other interests in life, noting that one can’t claim they have completely left politics. He continued, saying he has now decided to contribute to politics through writing, offering consultancy, reading, and following political developments.

“I think it was important for me to pursue other interests in life. Of course, it’s not possible to say you have completely retired from politics; it’s not possible. What I retired from is elective politics. Otherwise, I’m still thinking about politics. “I’m still engaged in writing and reading, and I follow politics,” he said.

He further stated that by retiring from the political scene, he has just transitioned from the high-octane politics often associated with his political career to the low-temperature politics, which is less demanding.

“So, to that extent, I’m still in politics. I say I’m in low-temperature politics. What I’ve left is the high-temperature politics,” he concluded

Retirement from politics

This comes days after he announced his retirement from active politics, saying he intends to focus on spreading happiness, particularly in the workplace.

Speaking on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after receiving an honorary doctorate from Laikipia University in recognition of his distinguished public service and leadership, Kiraitu reflected on his over three decades in public office.

“I’ve retired from electoral politics, and this has broadened my mind,” he said.

Kiraitu recounted the emotional toll of losing the 2022 gubernatorial election, describing a period he likened to post-election depression.