Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has officially declared her intention to reclaim the county’s top seat in the 2027 elections, citing overwhelming calls from residents urging her to run. Speaking over the weekend, Ngilu expressed her readiness to return to office, promising to build on the progress she made during her previous term.
Ngilu, who served as Kitui’s governor from 2018 to 2022, confirmed she will seek re-election once the current governor, Julius Malombe, completes his term. Although she had initially vied in 2022, she withdrew from the race and endorsed Malombe, a move that significantly contributed to his victory.
Ngilu Seeks Residents’ Endorsement for 2027
The veteran politician made her announcement during a burial ceremony in Ivovoa village, Kitui Central, where she addressed mourners and formally sought their blessings for her 2027 bid. The crowd erupted in cheers, signaling their approval of her candidacy.
“If it’s a matter of picking up where I left off, I am ready for the challenge,” she declared. “I want to continue serving the people of Kitui and ensuring they receive the services they deserve.”
Pledging Open-Door Leadership
Ngilu assured Kitui residents that if re-elected, she would uphold her open-door policy, just as she did in her first term. She emphasized that accessibility and inclusivity are crucial for effective governance and urged other county leaders to adopt a similar approach.
“Every voter has the right to freely engage with their elected leaders,” she noted. “People must be served with dignity, regardless of their social standing—whether they have shoes, walk barefoot, or are pregnant, they must be respected and treated fairly.”
Criticism of Detached Leadership
Taking a swipe at leaders who isolate themselves from the public, Ngilu criticized those who surround themselves with luxury while ignoring the people who elected them.
“Some leaders move around in a fleet of cars and walk on red carpets, forgetting that they campaigned as ordinary people, not special beings,” she remarked. “No one has the right to proclaim a public office as their own—it belongs to the people of Kitui.”
Commitment to the People of Kitui
Ngilu, a former presidential aspirant and Minister of Health, reassured residents that her leadership would remain accessible, people-driven, and focused on service delivery. She vowed to prioritize the welfare of Kitui residents and ensure that governance remains transparent and accountable.
As the 2027 election season gains momentum, Ngilu’s declaration is set to shape the political landscape of Kitui, with residents eagerly watching how the race unfolds.
