Ngilu vows to reclaim Kitui governorship in 2027, is ready to serve better

Former governor Charity Ngilu has promised a return to the Kitui county politics, declaring her intention to recapture the seat she vacated in 2022.

Ngilu served as Kitui governor in 2017 after beating then-incumbent Julius Malombe. 

But she opted not to defend her seat during the 2022 general elections, choosing to stick by Azimio chief Raila Odinga, who was seeking presidency. 

Raila lost to President William Ruto and with it went hopes of Ngilu landing state jobs.

Ngilu, who previously kept a low political profile, has made a few public appearances during which she has declared her return to politics.

Last weekend during separate events, Ngilu said she would once again romp home as the new county chief and serve Kitui people better after Malombe leaves office. 

At a funds raiser at the Kitui Town ACK church, Ngilu caused laughter when she said she would offer Malombe's "hardworking" Agriculture and Livestock CEC, Stephen Kimwele a job. 

“As his minister for Agriculture, I really see you are doing very well. Once I return, I will retain you. You are the best. If you are the best how can I fail to hire you?”

She said it was time Malombe put his efforts into serving the people because he will not have another chance beyond 2027, as dictated by the constitution.

Malombe was recently quoted in the media saying some governors who served one term, lost and made a comeback in 2022 would seek the Supreme Court's interpretation on whether this means they have attained their term limits. 

The governor is among those who clinched seats in 2013, were voted out in 2017 after serving one term, but came back in 2022. 

He said county chiefs should hold office for two uninterrupted terms to be deemed to have exhausted the constitutional term limits.

But Ngilu disagrees, saying there is no gap in the constitution as far as the term limit for governors is concerned.

“I tell you there is no lacuna in the constitution. I was part and parcel of writing the constitution,” Ngilu told told the church congregants. 

She reiterated that Malombe should put his best foot forward in serving the people of Kitui as he prepares to leave office come 2027.