NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has revealed plans to roll out a “Happiness Masterclass” this year, marking a new chapter in his public life following retirement from elective politics.
Speaking during an interview with Jadiel Kabiro aired on Monday, Murungi said the initiative is designed to help individuals and institutions understand and prioritise happiness as a foundation for personal and societal progress.
He has dubbed himself the “Chief Happiness Officer,” saying the role reflects his desire to contribute to society beyond the traditional political arena.
“Happiness is not a luxury. It is a necessity,” Murungi said. “Without happiness, you cannot achieve any other dream or ambition in life.”
Murungi explained that the masterclass will explore structured ways of incorporating happiness training into social, educational and organisational programmes. He said the concept has already attracted interest from several organisations.
The initiative will feature open programmes that allow partnerships with churches, schools and businesses, based on the belief that happiness cuts across all aspects of human life.
“The programme recognises that human beings are complex,” Murungi said. “It will focus on spirituality, meaning and purpose, because without these, people struggle even when they appear materially successful.”
Holistic Well-being at the Core
According to Murungi, the Happiness Masterclass will adopt a holistic approach to well-being. Beyond emotional fulfilment, it will promote physical awareness and healthy living.
Participants will be encouraged to take care of their bodies through proper nutrition, regular exercise, rest and quality sleep. Murungi said physical neglect often undermines mental and emotional stability.
“Happiness also lives in the body,” he said. “If you don’t look after your physical health, you will struggle to find balance in other areas of life.”
The programme will also focus on relationships, including how people give and receive love, build friendships and manage emotions in both personal and professional settings.
Murungi said unresolved emotional strain is a major contributor to stress, depression and conflict in society.
“We want to equip people with practical tools to manage stress, depression and emotional pressure,” he said. “A happy person is more productive, more compassionate and more useful to society.”
From Politics to Purpose
The 74-year-old former cabinet minister and long-serving legislator said his transition into the happiness space follows deep personal reflection after decades in public service.
Murungi served in various senior roles across multiple administrations and was a central figure in Kenya’s constitutional and governance reforms. He lost his Meru gubernatorial seat in the last general election.
Looking back, he said he has no regrets about stepping away from elective politics.
“I did contest in the last elections, which I lost,” Murungi said. “When I reflected, I realised I had given politics enough time. Five years in politics is a long time.”
He was keen to clarify, however, that retirement from elective politics does not mean disengagement from national affairs.
“It is better to say I retired rather than to say I quit,” he said. “I am still very much interested in the direction of our country.”
Murungi said the Happiness Masterclass offers him a platform to continue contributing to national development in a different, non-partisan way.
“This is about building a society that is mentally strong, emotionally balanced and spiritually grounded,” he said. “That, in the end, is the true foundation of leadership and progress.”
