Photo caption: Former Lands CS Charity Ngilu. Political analyst Peter Ngure says that she stands a huge chance of being elected as Kitui governor in August owing to her development track record as cabinet Minister and political experience on national politics. (Photo Source:http://www.capitalfm.co.ke)
The battle and quest for the Kitui gubernatorial seat has intensified with several aspirants among them Narc Party leader Charity Ngilu declaring interest to unseat incumbent Julius Malombe.
Political analysts say that the race for the Kitui top seat will be among those to watch in the August 8 polls.
Kitui senator David Musila has also declared interest in the seat and is currently embroiled in a tussle with incumbent Malombe over who should be endorsed by Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party to contest for the seat.
Musila is Wiper Party chairman while Malombe is a member who was elected governor on the Party ticket in the 2013 general election.
Malombe is seeking re-election for a second term but faces tough challenge from Musila who is said to be lobbying for a Wiper party’s direct nomination.
The in fight between Musila and Malombe has exposed cracks in the Kalonzo Musyoka led party.
However political analysts say that Ngilu, a former Lands Cabinet Secretary (CS) might have an easy chance of clinching the Kitui governor seat in the August election.
Peter Ngure, a political analyst notes that Ngilu’s development track record as Lands, Water and Health Minister will give her advantage over the other aspirants.
“Charity Ngilu’s campaign for the Kitui governor seat will peg on her development track record as a former Lands, Water and Health Minister,” he said during an interview on Wednesday.
Mr Ngure also says that Ngilu is a no-nonsense lady and her firm stand on issues gives her an edge over other aspirants.
The political analyst further notes that Ngilu’s appeal for people and especially women will give her votes in the August 8 polls.
“Ngilu appeals to women and youth and this will be another big advantage for her in her quest for the Kitui top seat,” he adds.
The analyst also observes that Ngilu’s political experience nationally is a plus in her bid for the Kitui governor seat.
“Ngilu has experience when it comes to national politics and this is good for her as she campaigns for the Kitui top seat,” added the analyst.
The analyst, however, says that Ngilu’s bid could backfire if she is lured to join Jubilee Party again.
Ngure says that majority of Ukambani locals still support opposition politics and a move by Ngilu to once again join JP will be disastrous for her Kitui gubernatorial bid.
Ngilu has been quoted saying that she is still thinking of who to support between the ruling Jubilee government and the opposition’s National Super Alliance (NASA) in the August 8 polls.
The Narc Party leader was sacked as Lands CS by Jubilee government in 2015 after being linked to corruption scandals at the Lands Ministry. She is still battling corruption charges in court.