Former Makueni Governor Kibwana Announces Retirement from Active Politics

Former Makueni governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana has announced his retirement from elective politics.

Kibwana, who unsuccessfully contested for the Makueni senatorial seat in the August 9th general election, said he will transition into a role as a mentor for aspiring politicians and unite the Kamba community.

“When it comes to active politics where people go to seek votes, I want to announce that I have retired in that area. I will no longer be seeking any elective seat,” Kibwana said on Saturday. “Thanks be to God, my former students, co-workers, and those I served.”

He also said he would be willing to serve as an advisor in President Ruto’s administration after ditching the Raila Odinga-led Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition.

“I decamped from Azimio and joined the president’s side. I am open to helping the government in whatever capacity,” he added.

Kibwana served as the Member of Parliament for Makueni Constituency between 2000 and 2007 and as Makueni County Governor from 2017 to 2022.

Prior to joining politics in 2002, the lawyer served as the spokesperson of National Convention Executive Council (NCEC) from 1997 to 2002. He was also Associate Professor at the University of Nairobi between 1977 and 2002, Dean of the Faculty of Law, a senior lecturer and chairman of the Department of private law at the institution.

As an MP, Kibwana also served as the Minister of Land and Settlements and Environment and Natural Resources. In 2008, he was appointed by the late President Mwai Kibaki as Advisor for Constitutional, Parliamentary, and Youth Affairs in the President's Office, where he served until September 2012.

Kibwana, 68, had initially expressed interest in the presidential seat in the August election but dropped his bid and backed Odinga.

He holds a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Nairobi and two Master of Laws degrees from the University of London and Harvard University. He got his doctorate degree from George Washington University in 1988.