Former Makueni Governor, Kivutha Kibwana on Saturday, November 12, quit elective politics after amassing over 30 years in the public service.
In a statement, Kibwana lauded the people of Makueni County for the opportunity to serve them as a Member of Parliament for five years and subsequently as their governor from 2013 to 2022.
He also expressed gratitude to his close associates and former students and co-workers for standing with him during his tenure.
Kibwana, however, in his statement did not reveal the reason for quitting elective politics.
"Today I announced that I have quit elective politics after serving the people of Makueni Constituency (2002-07) and Makueni County (2013-22), and 30 years of public service. Thanks be to God, my former students, co-workers, and those I served," he stated.
The news elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans online as some wished the former governor the best in his endeavours.
"We wish you well on your retirement and thank you for your dedicated years of service to our great nation. On behalf of myself and many others who have crossed your path! Thank you for being a good example in your work and leadership," Reuben Wambui tweeted.
"Remain of good cheer. Your footprints in the legal profession, public service and politics will forever twinkle in the galaxy of our nation's history. Now write your memoir, Prof. We await," Javas Bigambo stated.
However, others chided Kibwana for not receiving any post from the current administration despite joining President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza political camp post the August 9 elections.
"And you're still courting Kenya Kwanza? Join baba (Raila Odinga) to serve the world."
"I think you are gravely disappointed with Ruto for ignoring you. You hurriedly shifted allegiance to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) when you sensed things were going their way in the hope you'd be rewarded handsomely. Your quitting is a statement of dismay, we can read between the lines," Pouvoir Lisakoli tweeted.
Kibwana joined Kenya Kwanza on August 23, 2022, after president Ruto announced that he would serve in his legal team during the presidential election petition filed by the Azimio coalition.
Profile
In his career, Kibwana served as a spokesperson for the National Convention Executive Council (NCEC) from 1997 to 2002.
At the time, he also served as the Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Law and a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
In 2002, he was elected as a Makueni legislator and Minister of both Land and Settlements and Environment and Natural Resources.
In January 2008, he was appointed as the presidential Advisor for Constitutional, Parliamentary and Youth Affairs in the President's Office- a role he served until September 2012. In 2013, he was elected pioneer Makueni governor and served for two terms.
