Charity Ngilu has opened up on her decision to opt out of the Kitui governorship race with less than 50 days to the August 9 General Election.
Speaking on Friday, June 17, during the launch of Digital Mission for Ushanga Kenya, Ngilu explained that after being in active politics for over 30 years, she has reached a point where she needs to start nurturing another crop of women leaders in the country.
She noted that joining national politics will give her an upper hand in pushing for women's empowerment, an opportunity she could not have utilised well serving as a governor.
"I stepped down because I want to support women on a national level," Ngilu explained.
Ngilu, however, explained that she is still consulting with other leaders who have been supporting her in order to make the right move and determine which way forward as she rejoins national politics.
"Remember I have been in the leadership position for over 30 years, it is now time to move forward and give young women a chance and also be part and parcel of the building of their capacity.
"This cannot just be announced that I'm exiting, you have to call people and prepare and they bless me and they tell me go on. So I can't make a decision like this alone," Ngilu explained while in the company of Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador Amina Mohamed.
The former Water Minister, however, refused to reveal the position offered to her after announcing that she is stepping down from the race in favour Wiper candidate, Julius Malombe, who trounced Kiema Kilonzo in the party primaries.
Her decision to quit was made public by Azimio presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, during his tour in Kitui county.
"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.
After stepping down, Ngilu became the second high-ranking politician to take a break from elective politics after Tharaka Nithi Senator, Abraham Kithure Kindiki, who made a similar announcement after losing the race to deputize UDA presidential candidate William Ruto.
