Governor Charity Ngilu has asked former Kitui Governor Julius Malombe to work with her in spearheading development in the county.
Addressing the press at the Court of Appeal in Nairobi on Thursday, Ngilu extended an olive branch to Malombe whom he described as his friend despite their political differences.
Ngilu said she has no ill feelings against the former governor.
"Malombe should come on board and work with my government for the interests of our people,” Ngilu said.
Ngilu said there is no time to waste quarreling over political issues.
She said residents of Kitui and the larger Ukambani region are yearning for their leaders' unity and push for development.
The NARC governor said disunity and political quarreling among Ukambani leaders are to blame for the social, economic issues facing the region.
Ngilu said she is ready to accommodate Malombe in her government for development sake.
On Thursday, the Court of Appeal dismissed Malombe's appeal challenging Governor Ngilu’s August 8, 2017 election victory.
The appellate court ruled that the former governor failed to prove his claims that the Kitui gubernatorial poll was marred with irregularities.
The court ordered the Wiper politician to foot the cost of the suit.
Malombe has hinted on appealing the ruling at the Supreme Court.