Ngilu: I’m more suited than Wiper leader to deputise Azimio chief

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu says she is the appropriate person to deputise Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Alliance’s presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga in the coming polls.

She adds that if the candidate will be picked from Ukambani,  she is more suited than Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.  

For long, Ngilu has been uncomfortable with Kalonzo’s stature in Ukambani. She spoke at twin rallies in the former Vice-President’s Tseikuru and Katse home turfs in Mwingi North on Monday.

Flanked by MCAs Boniface Kilaa (Tseikuru) and Johnson Kanandu (Mumoni), the governor said she had high esteem for  Kalonzo, “but he was not prolific and dependable”.

Stand to be counted

“When the time comes for Azimio to pick its running mate from Ukambani, I will stand to be counted. What do you, the people of Mwingi North and Kitui at large, think? Am I not able and fit?” she asked.

She said her history in politics goes back to 1997 when she became the first woman to vie for the presidency on a Social Democratic Party ticket.

 “I fought alongside Raila in the Opposition to remove Kanu’s one-party tyrannical rule. I understand Raila very well,” she said.

Nothing to chance

The governor said Azimio la Umoja is not leaving anything to chance, adding that they were resolute in their quest to see Raila win.

She appealed to Kenyans to reject Deputy President William Ruto’s candidature for the top seat.

During the tour, she commissioned Tseikuru town’s 600-metre tarmack road, funded by her administration to ease transport and reduce respiratory diseases caused by dust. 

She also issued 8,500 land title deeds to Mumoni residents and presented empowerment fund cheques to various youth, women and people living with disabilities in the sub-county.

She said: “It is a pleasure to fulfill the promise I made in 2019. Today, land owners will receive title deeds in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s plan to legally settle Kenyans”.

The governor added that registration of boda boda operators and issuance of smart driving licences would be rolled out soon, in conjunction with the Interior Ministry and National Transport and Safety Authority.