The "Crocodile" has left the swamp. Veteran politician Kiraitu Murungi has officially retired from the bruising arena of elective politics to launch a crusade for national happiness.

In a political landscape defined by betrayal and noise, Kiraitu Murungi’s exit is as unconventional as his career was storied. The former Meru Governor, a titan who survived three decades in the corridors of power, has hung up his boots. But he is not fading into obscurity; he is pivoting to a new mission that sounds almost radical in Kenya’s cynical society: teaching people how to be happy.

Speaking at Laikipia University after receiving an honorary doctorate, Kiraitu opened up with rare vulnerability about the trauma of his 2022 defeat. "I almost went into depression," he admitted. For a man who had known nothing but winning since 1992, the loss to Kawira Mwangaza was not just a political setback; it was an existential crisis. It forced him into a "dark place," leading to nine months of counseling and introspection.

From Power Broker to Happiness Coach

Kiraitu’s transformation is profound. The man who once famously likened politics to a "dirty game" is now the founder of the Happiness Society of Kenya. He is advocating for "low-volume politics," a concept that replaces the shouting of campaigns with the quiet influence of advisory roles.

"I have learned my lessons. Having spent over 30 years in active politics, I feel it is time to call it quits," he told his family and friends. His new gospel is one of workplace wellness. He argues that the toxicity of Kenyan politics has seeped into our institutions, creating unhappy, unproductive environments. His goal is to introduce "Happiness Officers" in organizations and measure success not just by profits, but by joy.

Legacy of a Survivor

Kiraitu’s retirement marks the end of an era for Meru and Kenya. He was a key architect of the Kibaki administration, a legal mind who helped shape the 2010 Constitution, and a survivor who navigated the treacherous waters of coalition politics.

• The Mental Health Conversation: By publicly discussing his near-depression, Kiraitu has done a service to the nation, humanizing the brutal toll of politics and destigmatizing the need for therapy.
• The Succession: His exit clears the stage for a new generation of Meru leaders, removing the looming shadow of a comeback that had paralyzed local realignments.
• The New Chapter: His "Happiness Masterclass" is not a gimmick; it is the project of a man who has seen the summit of power and realized it can be lonely and joyless.

Kiraitu Murungi has spent his life fighting for votes. Now, he is fighting for smiles. It is a peculiar twist for a political heavyweight, but perhaps, after 30 years in the trenches, he has earned the right to choose joy over power.