Former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana recently shared his candid reflections on his political journey, revealing that he never intended to become a governor. Speaking on Spice FM, Kibwana emphasized that life is often unpredictable, and some opportunities present themselves in ways that cannot be planned.
Kibwana’s initial ambition was to serve as the chairperson of the Constitution Implementation Commission (CIC), a role he had long hoped for. In fact, he had even interviewed for the position. However, despite feeling confident about his performance in the interviews, he did not secure the role. He recalled that at the time, key positions in government were often decided based on an agreement between President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a process which ultimately did not work in his favor.
He reflected, “I don’t think we can be able to ‘mechanically’ plan our lives. Some things just happen.” This realization became apparent to Kibwana after his unsuccessful bid for the CIC chairmanship. Rather than succumbing to disappointment, he chose to pivot toward politics, deciding to run for the governorship of Makueni County, a position he had never initially considered.
The former governor’s decision to seek a governorship was not born out of a lifelong desire for political power. In fact, he had initially hoped to return to the CIC, as he believed that the constitutional changes he had championed as an activist required hands-on involvement from leaders. He thought that being part of parliament at that time would put him in a strategic position to influence the implementation of the Constitution.
Reflecting on the shift in his career, Kibwana noted, “Although I think I did reasonably well in the interview [for the CIC chairmanship], there wasn’t that concurrence and then President Kibaki after we talked told me it looks like that didn’t work and that is when I thought about being governor.”
His decision to enter politics was, in many ways, an accident of circumstance rather than a premeditated career move. Kibwana’s foray into parliament and later into the governorship was driven by his deep commitment to the constitutional process and his belief that the country’s future would hinge on the successful implementation of the new Constitution.
Kibwana’s tenure as Makueni Governor, however, turned out to be far more successful than he could have anticipated. Over his ten years in office, he consistently ranked among Kenya’s top-performing county governors. Known for his effective management of county resources, Kibwana’s leadership style earned him widespread recognition for his commitment to service delivery, transparency, and good governance. His administration was also notable for its minimal corruption scandals, distinguishing him from other political leaders in the region.
Under Kibwana’s leadership, Makueni County made remarkable strides in areas like health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture. His efforts in improving healthcare, in particular, were widely lauded, as Kibwana spearheaded the introduction of programs that saw significant improvements in maternal health and access to medical services.
What set Kibwana apart was his ability to balance development with integrity. During his time as governor, he earned a reputation for being one of the few county leaders who maintained a clear distance from graft scandals, setting him apart in a political environment often marked by corruption allegations.
His success as a governor, despite his initial reluctance, speaks to the unplanned nature of political careers and the ability to rise to the occasion when unexpected opportunities present themselves. Kibwana’s journey is a reminder that while individuals may set clear goals, the course of life can lead them in surprising directions.
As Kibwana moves on from his role as Makueni Governor, his story remains an inspiration to many. His reflection on the twists and turns of his career highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success, no matter how unanticipated the path may be.
