Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu will not defend her seat in the August election.

Speaking during his tour of Kitui yesterday, Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga made the announcement, with the rider that he would include her in his government if he is elected president.

Raila also endorsed the Wiper candidate Julius Malombe, the former governor who lost to Ngilu in 2017.

Ngilu’s exit leaves the field to Malombe (Wiper), former Kitui Senator David Musila (Jubilee) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, former Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke.

“You will decide between former Governor Dr. Julius Malombe and your former senator David Musila on who becomes your next Governor because I will take Mama (Ngilu) to Nairobi,” said Raila while addressing a crowd at Mutha and Mutomo.

At Mutomo, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka took a swipe at former Kitui East MP Kiema Kilonzo for petitioning the nomination of Malombe as his party’s candidate and told the electorate to ignore the “sideshows”.

“I want to thank Governor Ngilu and ask those who have filed cases in court to withdraw so that Governor Malombe can run smoothly back to his job,” said Kalonzo. Kiema, who was also competing for the Wiper ticket, petitioned Malombe’s nomination.

Kalonzo said he was tired of politicians who were using his name to get elected and abandon him later, saying their time was over. He urged voters to help him ensure Wiper sweeps all seats in Ukambani.

Addressing a rally in Kitui town, Malombe did not speak about Ngilu’s withdrawal from the race but urged residents to vote overwhelmingly for Raila.

Ngilu thanked Kalonzo for agreeing to support Raila.

“We have been talking about being in the next government and I thank everyone for accepting this unity call for the community,” said Ngilu.

In 2017 Ngilu, who was running on Narc ticket, beat Musila (Independent) and Malombe by garnering 169,990 votes. Musila was second with 114,827 while Malombe of Wiper came a distant third with 74,681.

Karua campaign

In Kirinyaga, Raila’s running mate Martha Karua told Kenyans to expect better days should the Azimio la Umoja coalition form the next government.

And speaking during a campaign rally at Kerugoya, she said her team will ensure better service delivery and economic prosperity.

Karua said the Mt Kenya region was no longer a Kenya Kwanza zone, as claimed by the coalition’s leaders.

“Do not let anyone sell fear to you. We are confident to form the next government after Uhuru leaves office. We should not be left out,” she added.

She asked for blessings from residents to run for the deputy presidency.

The Narc Kenya leader also warned Mt Kenya people against voting for Deputy President William Ruto saying he was disrespectful to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“People should learn to respect their bosses. I will help Raila discharge his duties,” she said.

Corrupt leaders

Karua said a Raila administration will reform the economy using the money that the country has been losing to corruption.

“Don’t elect leaders who will steal your resources immediately after getting into office,” said Karua who later addressed another rally in Embu.

“Better days are coming when we form the next government after August. We shall bring back Kenya on its course,” she said while leading an Azimio onslaught in the region.

The Deputy Presidential hopeful said under Raila’s proposed Baba Care medical scheme, Kenyans will enjoy better healthcare as it will cover all citizens.

Under a Raila government, she said, single mothers will be supported to establish income generating activities while poor families earn a Sh6,000 monthly stipend.

She said when Azimio leaders say they will fight corruption, they were not targeting anybody and asked their competitors not to panic.

—Additional reporting by Brian Malila and Chris Mambo