The race to succeed Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has kicked off in earnest, with at least eight political heavyweights and fresh aspirants declaring interest in the county’s top seat ahead of the 2027 general election.
The crowded contest has already triggered heated debates over party loyalty, regional balance, integrity and the promise of generational change setting the stage for one of the fiercest gubernatorial races in Kitui’s history.
Among those eyeing the seat include Charity Ngilu (former governor), Irene Kasalu (woman representative) and Enoch Wambua (senator).
Others include political activist Musili Kauta, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, former Tourism CS Peninah Malonza, ex-PS Jonathan Mueke and Safaricom executive Nicholas Mulila.
Speaking to the Star, Kasalu confirmed she will be contesting the seat on a Wiper party ticket. She said she was prepared to bring inclusive leadership to the people of Kitui and ensure development is evenly distributed across the county.
“I am going for the seat on the Wiper ticket, and I believe it is time to have leadership that touches every corner of Kitui. The people of this county deserve fairness, and that is what I stand for,” she said.
Her declaration comes at a time when the Wiper Democratic Movement, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, is under pressure to manage its succession politics in Kitui.
Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze told the Star that the 2027 contest will be unlike any other, insisting that the party must avoid past mistakes.
“The 2027 election will be very different. Those who will be elected must have integrity and be ready to work for the electorate. Wiper, being dominant in this region, will most likely carry the day, but the party must not repeat the mistakes of 2017 when it lost to Charity Ngilu,” she said.
Nyenze added that Wiper would employ a fair nomination process to prevent divisions.
“Consensus should be embraced where possible, so that loyalists can all feel accommodated. Leadership in Kitui must also be well distributed so that all regions have a fair chance at representation,” she said.
Senator Wambua has also officially thrown his hat into the ring, declaring his bid during a recent political forum.
“I have decided to seek the support of the people of Kitui in the next general election to be held on August 10, 2027, to serve you as your governor. My leadership record has been tested, even at the Senate where I served as deputy Minority leader. I have the full backing of the Wiper Democratic Movement,” he said during a recent event in the region.
Ngilu, who sat out of the 2022 election, has also signalled a return, promising to recapture the seat. Speaking during a funds drive at Kitui Town Anglican Church of Kenya a few months ago, she declared she was ready to serve again.
“I will once again romp home as governor and serve the people of Kitui better after Malombe leaves office,” she said.
Political analyst John Wahinya has said that despite the personalities in the race, Kitui’s politics has historically revolved around party loyalty rather than individual appeal.
“At the end of the day, political parties will carry the day. Voters here tend to lean on party strength, whether it is Wiper, Narc, or whichever formation appears strongest heading into the election. Candidates who secure strong party backing will enjoy a significant advantage over independents or weaker outfits,” he said.
Kauta has however dismissed the notion that party politics would determine the outcome. He said the electorate will elect their leader based on merit but not along party lines as it has been witnessed in past elections.
“The people of Kitui are now wise enough. They will elect leaders based on merit. Political parties will play a minimal role in the 2027 election because voters have seen that personalities and competence matter more than political slogans,” he added.
For Mulu, insiders say he will be banking on his long service and loyalty to Kalonzo.
Political observers argue that the race reflects both high stakes and deep divisions.
Godfrey Wambua, a former councillor, said that most front-runners hail from Kitui Central, leaving other regions feeling sidelined — a factor that could shape voting patterns.
“All political heavyweights are in the mix this time. But what complicates matters further most of the leaders hail from same locality Kitui Central, which has left other areas feeling sidelined. That imbalance could influence voting patterns, with calls for other regions to be given a fair chance at producing leadership,” Wambua said.
He added that Kitui may experience a generational shift noting it’s too early to speculate on who will be the next governor and on which political party.
“The region might bank on new and fresh blood that can transform Kitui but it’s too early to speculate, those currently elected should be allowed to serve the people.’’
Charles Mwangi, a political analyst and Jkuat lecturer, said Kitui voters are conservative but prone to swings between dominant outfits like Wiper and Ngilu’s Narc.
He pointed out that Malombe first clinched the governor’s seat on a Wiper ticket in 2013, was unseated by Ngilu on a Narc ticket in 2017, and later reclaimed the position in 2022 under Wiper, a cycle that, he warned, could easily repeat itself in 2027.
“While Wiper and Ngilu’s Narc have traditionally dominated Kitui politics, voter dynamics are shifting. There is growing fatigue with the old order, and the rise of younger, issue-driven voters means 2027 might break the cycle. The county could surprise many by electing a fresh face outside the familiar Wiper–Narc rivalry, “he said.
Matinyani MCA Sylvester Kitheka elected on Narc echoed the sentiments, saying Ngilu stands a strong chance of making a comeback to complete her two terms.
He argued that the contest is likely to narrow down to a Wiper candidate versus Ngilu’s Narc, as history has shown in past elections in the region.
“Kitui politics is unique, often defined by the balance between technocrats, the common Wanjiku and now the Gen Z vote. Whoever manages to appeal across these groups will carry the day, but it will be very complicated,” he said.
Kitheka added that Ngilu has always connected easily with ordinary voters, while Kasalu, being young and vibrant, could mount a formidable challenge if she secures the Wiper ticket.
Meanwhile, aspiring Woman Rep Rhoda Kithuku urged leaders to focus less on succession politics and more on service delivery.
“The people will elect leaders who champion their interests both at county and national levels. Governor Malombe should also use his remaining time to fulfill his promises,” she said.
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