Outgoing Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu skipped the swearing-in ceremony for Julius Malombe who took over office on Thursday, August 25.

It is unclear why Ngilu, who had stepped down from the governor race on June 18 to concentrate on Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s national campaign, failed to attend the event to hand over power to the new governor.

Malombe vied on a Wiper Party ticket.

Malombe promises

During his swearing-in, Malombe promised to work together with all elected leaders in the county.

“You showed that you have faith in us and we will not fail you. We are going to deliver services equally to all Kitui residents,” Malombe said.

Malombe, who served as the first Kitui governor between 2013 and 2017, will be deputised by Augustine Wambua who also took his oath of office.