•Ngilu was initially opposed to Malombe’s gubernatorial candidature during the campaign period.
•The outgoing governor skipped the new Kitui governor’s swearing in ceremony that was presided over by Justice George Odunga on Thursday last week.
Image: MUSEMBI NZENGU
Outgoing Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, who skipped the swearing-in of her successor Julius Malombe, has declared her support for him.
Ngilu said Malombe desired full support to deliver on his mandate.
Ngilu was a no-show as the new Kitui county chief was sworn into office at a ceremony that was presided over by Justice George Odunga at Ithookwe Showground on Thursday.
The outgoing governor did not defend her seat at the August 9 poll but backed and campaigned for Malombe’s rival, David Musila.
However, Ngilu took to social media to congratulate the new governor after he took oath of office. The outgoing governor said she was unable to attend the fete.
“I was unable to be physically present for the occasion but I am with you in thought and spirit. I wish you the very best as you take over the reign. Godspeed,” Ngilu tweeted.
On Saturday, the former governor further urged the newly elected MCAs to support Malombe and not put unnecessary roadblocks on his way to curtail his plans for Kitui.
Ngilu said that she went through a lot of challenges due to the frustrations she was put through by MCAs when she was the governor. She said she would hate to see the same befall her successor.
“Really we must support the incoming governor so that he can perform, and, whatever position we hold, we must support him,” she said.
Ngilu spoke during the funeral of Fredrick Makindi who was the husband to the Kitui county Public Service Board chairperson Florence Mwanzia at Kavisi village in the outskirts of Kitui town.
“We must get the county Public Service Board to support him because the first thing he needs to do is to get new people to work with. That should be fast-tracked so that he is not held back on his plans,” she added.
Governor Malombe on Saturday reaffirmed his resolve to meet all the pre-election pledges he made to the people of Kitui during the pre-August 9 polls campaign period.
Malombe said his administration would prioritise service delivery to rebuild the county and improve lives.
The governor spoke in the Thitani village, Mwingi West constituency, during the burial of the father to ATG Church Archbishop Apostle Francis Musili, Fredrick Ngula Mwendwa.
Malombe extended an olive branch to all leaders regardless of their political affiliations to join hands and work together for the sake of progress, considering the myriad challenges the people faced.
He also said his government would seek to restore the residents’ trust in leadership and, at the same time, rekindle the peoples’ hope for a better life.
"I will ensure the people enjoy better healthcare, water provision, improved feeder roads and quality education and agricultural practises to lift them from poverty" he said.
Malombe bounced back on August 9 to reclaim the seat he lost to Ngilu in 2017.
His running mate and the current deputy governor is Augustine Wambua Kanani.
Malombe garnered 198,004 votes, with his closest rival and former senator David Musila of the Jubilee Party coming a distant second with 114,606 votes.
UDA's Jonathan Mueke, who is a former Nairobi deputy governor, got 10,639 votes.
Although Ngilu had belatedly withdrawn from the race, her name was on the ballot and she also received 2,026 votes.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
Image: MUSEMBI NZENGU