It is often claimed that politics is a drug, and some politicians are addicted to the game, clinging to their careers for as long as possible.
Politicians are wired to sniff out better opportunities continuously, even in the face of setbacks, and they never fully exit the political landscape.
The main difference is that there is a section of them who loathe being away from the political limelight and look for every means possible to remain relevant.
Then there is a second group who choose to retreat to the background quietly when confronted with challenges. They take their time to regroup before coming back with better strategies. In some extreme cases, some politicians end up retiring from politics altogether.
In the 2022 general elections, some political giants were felled.
They include; former governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru), Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot) and Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma).
All of them are formidable names in the Kenyan political landscape which prompts the question of what have they been doing since suffering defeat at the ballot in 2022?
Kenyans.co.ke takes a look.
Charity Ngilu
Former Kitui Governor, Ngilu, has been actively involved in church affairs and handling family matters.
Speaking during an Economic Conference held at ACK Westlands in June, Ngilu revealed that she had immersed herself in business activities after leaving office.
Beyond business, she has taken on the role of a motivational speaker, focusing on economic empowerment, and has spoken at various conferences, including the Entrepreneurship Conference 2023 held at St. Marks ACK in Westlands.
"I started my career as a businessperson at the age of 20 and I am still in business because I realised if you are not in business you will not have what you want," she stated.
Moreover, Ngilu's involvement in family matters was evident when she appeared in court on Friday, July 27, to provide testimony in a land tussle case in Mombasa.
Lee Kinyanjui
Kinyanjui is among the governors who have maintained a low profile since suffering defeat at the ballot in 2022.
A spot check conducted by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that the governor has been globe-trotting, attending international conferences where he participates as a panellist.
On May 24 he was invited to George Washington University to speak about the debt burden in Africa.
"The escalation of debt burden in Africa is a matter that will require urgent attention. With the devaluation of many African currencies, the debt, which is mainly dollar-denominated, has increased by over 30 per cent" Kinyanjui told the delegates who attended the conference.
Kinyanjui has also toured Tanzania.
Despite supporting Azimio in the last elections, Kinyanjui is yet to appear in any event organised by the opposition coalition.
Wycliffe Wangamati
The former Bungoma governor currently holds the position of Chairperson at the Kajiado County Investment Authority, having been appointed by Governor Joseph Ole Lenku.
In this capacity, Wangamati leads a team of seven professionals with the primary objective of attracting investments to the county, with a specific focus on vital areas such as food security, water provision, and affordable housing.
John Lonyangapuo
Lonyangapuo, a former county boss renowned for his catchphrase 'kijana fupi round,' currently holds the position of Chairperson at the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency.
President William Ruto appointed him to this role after he decamped from Azimio la Umoja to join Kenya Kwanza.
As the Chairperson of the agency, Lonyangapuo's primary responsibility is to spearhead the advancement of vital water projects in the North Rift region.
Granton Samboja
Of all politicians on this list, Samboja has been the most visible.
The former Taita Taveta County boss has made a comeback to the public sphere as a radio personality. Samboja is currently a pastor and motivational speaker for Anguo FM, hosting an afternoon show at the station.
With a background in journalism, he brings a wealth of experience from his time at Radio Citizen and Milele FM. Before being elected as Governor of the Coastal county, Samboja served as Chief Operating Officer at Mediamax.
He has also worked as a journalist at Royal Media Services (RMS) and Milele FM.
