In a rare gesture of vulnerability, the former Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi, bravely shared his personal battle with depression stemming from his defeat in the 2022 general election, where he lost the gubernatorial poll to Independent Candidate Kawira Mwangaza.
During an interview, the seasoned politician opened up about the challenges he faced after the loss, expressing his genuine shock. This defeat was particularly hard for him to accept, as it marked the first time in thirty years that he experienced electoral disappointment.
The Harvard alumni said the loss had made him appreciate how far he had come and the fast changing political landscape even more.
Kiraitu, a High Court advocate, revealed that following his defeat, he travelled to the U.K to visit his daughter and stayed there for two weeks.
"I was basically doing nothing. I tried to calm myself and reflect on my circumstances, " Kiraitu revealed.
“Even if I was a primary school teacher, I would have retired by now. People are retiring at the age of 60. I am 70, ten years past retirement age. What I have done should be enough. I should thank the people of Meru for letting me lead them for thirty years,”he further stated.
To address the depression that engulfed him after the poll loss, the former governor said that he sought happiness by publishing the journal “The Happiness Journal” which is designed to lead a happiness revolution among leaders dedicated to uplifting other members in the community.
“After politics I thought I should do something else that impacts people’s lives. Happiness Resource Center is new and because we did not have the money to employ staff, I became the chief happiness officer,” Kiraitu Murungi noted.
The former governor passionately emphasized that the pursuit of happiness stands as the ultimate currency and destination for every individual.
He ardently advocated for the incorporation of happiness as an essential subject in school curricula, akin to subjects like Mathematics and Geography.
In a light moment during the interview, the former governor shared that his wife once threatened to divorce him before he ventured into politics.
The former governor and current Chairman of National Oil Corporation, noted that he was too invested in his political future that he chose politics over his wife's ultimatum.
“I told my wife I am choosing politics and it was a shock. So, she told some friends but then she joined me. Reluctantly, she joined the campaign with me in Meru. But you know she was a teacher, so she could deal with the public even better than myself. She helped me a lot.”
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
