When the history of Kenyan politics is written, the name of Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu will surely not miss out.
For nearly three decades now, she has been the face of female politicians in the country's political arena. And she may not leave the stage any time soon.
In 1992, she made her arrival into politics when she won the Kitui Central MP seat on a Democratic Party ticket. Since then, she has never looked back.
While vying on a Social Democratic Party ticket in 1997, she became the first woman in the history of Kenya to vie for President. Though she finished fifth, she made history. She however defended her MP seat.
In 2002, she was part of the NARC coalition that swept KANU from power. And after many years in opposition, Ngilu found herself in government as President Mwai Kibaki appointed her as Health Minister. Her stay in Cabinet was however short-lived as she was dismissed in October 2007 alongside other perceived rebels.
With Kibaki facing a scare in his re-election bid, Ngilu backed ODM candidate during the 2007 election.
After the formation of a grand coalition government following the disputed election, Ngilu found herself in Cabinet once again, this time as Water and Irrigation Minister.
After serving Kitui Central constituency for 20 years, Ngilu went for Kitui Senator position in 2013 but lost to David Musila. She was however appointed to the Cabinet by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Her stay there was however short-lived as she was forced to step down in 2015 over graft allegations.
In 2017, she made one of the greatest political comebacks in the country by winning the Kitui Governor seat. By so doing, she became one the first female Governors in the country.
With 2022 poll fast approaching, Ngilu has once again found herself on the Raila political axis and is a key supporter of the Building Bridges Initiative.
At 67 years, Ngilu still has many years remaining to play politics including defending his current Kitui Governor seat.