Speaking during an interview on Jadiel Kabiro’s podcast, the 74-year-old clarified that retirement does not mean a total exit from the political arena.
Instead, he said he had stepped away from elective contests after a long and demanding career spanning more than three decades.
Kiraitu noted that his loss in the 2022 Meru gubernatorial race to Kawira Mwangaza played a key role in his decision.
Having served as governor for one term after stints as an MP and later a senator, he said he felt it was the right time to move on from the ballot.
“I contested in the last elections and I lost. When I looked back, I felt I had spent enough time in elective politics. Five years is a long time, and it is better to say I retired rather than say I quit,” he said.
The former governor explained that while he had retired from high-pressure electoral politics, he remains politically active in other ways.
He said he continues to follow political developments closely and intends to contribute through writing, consultancy and thought leadership.
Kiraitu described his new phase as a transition from what he termed “high-temperature politics” to “low-temperature politics,” which he said is less demanding but still impactful.
“I have not completely left politics. What I retired from is elective politics. I am still thinking about politics, reading, writing and engaging in discussions,” he said.
His remarks come days after he formally announced his retirement from active politics during an event where he received an honorary doctorate from Laikipia University in recognition of his public service.
At the time, Kiraitu reflected on the emotional toll of electoral defeat, comparing it to post-election depression.
He added that retirement had given him space to pursue other interests, including promoting happiness and well-being, particularly in the workplace, as he begins a new chapter away from the political frontline.
