Former Kitui Governor Charity Kaluki Ngilu has sparked political debate after a viral video captured her asking God to remove President William Ruto from power, grant her a return to the Kitui governorship and fulfil Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s ambition to become Kenya’s next President.
The unusual moment unfolded during a grassroots public baraza at Mivukoni in Mwingi North, where Ngilu reportedly surprised some of her followers by requesting to pray before concluding the meeting.
In the prayer, the former governor took aim at Ruto’s administration, accusing it of causing Kenyans suffering through its healthcare reforms.
Ngilu specifically criticised the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), which she described as dysfunctional.
Her remarks reflect the continuing political debate surrounding the implementation of SHA and concerns raised by sections of the public over access to healthcare and the administration of the new system.
But the prayer quickly shifted from criticism of the national government to Ngilu’s own political ambitions.
The former governor asked God to grant her wish to return to the Kitui gubernatorial office, pleading that she was capable of serving the people of the county.
Ngilu served as Kitui governor from 2017 to 2022 before losing the seat to incumbent Governor Julius Malombe in the 2022 General Election.
Her latest remarks signal her intention to return to the county’s top office as political activity gradually gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ngilu’s prayer for Kalonzo
The former governor also turned her attention to Kalonzo Musyoka, asking God to grant the Wiper leader his wish to become Kenya’s next President.
Ngilu described Kalonzo as the person best placed to restore the country to its rightful path, aligning her prayer with the opposition leader’s longstanding presidential ambitions.
The three requests — Ruto’s removal from power, her own return to the Kitui governorship and Kalonzo’s elevation to the presidency — have made the Mivukoni moment a talking point in the county’s emerging political contest.
Grassroots tour across Mwingi North
Mivukoni was among several locations Ngilu visited during her grassroots engagements in Mwingi North.
The former governor also held public barazas in Kimangao, Kandwia, Maseki and Kamuwongo, where she continued meeting residents as she positions herself ahead of the next election.
The tour places her in direct engagement with voters in a county where political leaders are already manoeuvring for elective positions in 2027.
Who else is eyeing the Kitui governorship?
Ngilu is among several prominent political figures associated with the emerging race to succeed Malombe.
Those whose names have featured in discussions about the gubernatorial contest include Kitui Central MP Dr Benson Makali Mulu, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and former governor Ngilu, alongside other potential contenders.
The final field remains subject to formal declarations, party nominations and the electoral process.
With the 2027 contest approaching, Ngilu’s political comeback bid will be measured against the ambitions of other aspirants seeking to convince Kitui voters that they can lead the county.
Her prayer in Mivukoni has now added an unusual and highly shareable moment to that unfolding contest, bringing together national leadership, opposition politics and the battle for Kitui State House in a single public appearance.
Whether the viral moment translates into sustained political momentum remains to be seen. For now, Ngilu has put her gubernatorial ambitions firmly back into the public conversation.
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