Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu will not defend her seat in the upcoming August 9 General Election.
Ngilu's decision to drop out of the gubernatorial race was made public by Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga during his tour in Kitui county on Wednesday, June 15.
Making the announcement, Raila noted that Ngilu would instead redirect her energy in his national presidential bid - promising to appoint her should he form the next government.
"You will decide between former governor Julius Malombe and former senator David Musila who will be your governor. I want to take mama to Nairobi," Raila stated.
The first-time governor has been facing stiff competition from Wiper candidate Julius Malombe who trounced Kilonzo Kiema during party primaries.
Her gubernatorial ambitions were also being threatened by former senator David Musila who is vying on a Jubilee Party ticket.
Ngilu and Musila had earlier held talks before Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka returned to the Azimio camp and declared unequivocal support for Odinga. The duo discussed who would drop their bid in support of the other to boost the chances of clinching the seat.
"We are both candidates of Azimio and we must continuously engage. We are not enemies at all," Ngilu stated.
The fielding of two candidates affiliated with Azimio la Umoja had caused jitters in the camp which has been pushing to consolidate Eastern votes.
Odinga continues to grapple with sibling rivalry within his camp, after partner-parties shot down his push for zoning to prevent splitting their votes, a situation that could hand Kenya Kwanza's side victory, especially in battlegrounds.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has fronted former Nairobi deputy governor Jonathan Mueke to battle it out with Azimio candidates for Kitui's top seat.
Ngilu becomes the second high-ranking politician to take a break from elective politics - after Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki made a similar announcement after losing the race to deputize UDA presidential candidate William Ruto.
