This archive report was first published on 23 July 2021.
Published on July 23, 2021, 'Beyond Politics: A conversation with Kiraitu Murungi' by Njeri Rugene offers a unique perspective on politics and leadership through an interview-style book.
The book delves into Kiraitu Murungi's experiences, from his childhood during Kenya's independence to his current role in politics. He shares his thoughts on hard-hitting subjects, including his relationship with President Mwai Kibaki and the 2007/2008 election and its aftermath.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is Kiraitu's account of the 2007 General Elections. He reveals why they chose to swear in Kibaki at night, stating, 'I was with Kibaki at State House as the results were being tallied by the Electoral Commission of Kenya at KICC. We were following the proceedings on TV while Kibaki was in his room upstairs. He occasionally came downstairs to find out how the exercise was going on. As usual, looked very calm and composed. It was as if nothing major was happening. KICC was becoming chaotic. The opposition crowd at KICC was threatening to burn the country with mass action, Sierra Leone-style unless Raila Odinga was declared the winner.'
Throughout the book, Kiraitu shares his thoughts on various topics, including devolution, revenue allocation debate, Meru politics, and campaign promises. He also expresses his support for coalition governments and critiques the classical Westminster democracy, stating, 'Where a party wins with a narrow margin of 51 per cent, 49 per cent of the electorate are in a dictatorship because they are ruled by a government which they did not elect.'
Njeri Rugene's writing style makes the book an easy and engaging read. The book is available for purchase at Nuria Store.
