Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has challenged Kitui Central parliamentary aspirant Bonface Musambi to ditch the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and join her National Rainbow Coalition (Narc), in a political appeal that adds a new dimension to the contest for the constituency’s parliamentary seat.
Ngilu made the remarks during the burial ceremony of the late James Kimuli Mang’eta at Kavisi village in Mulango Ward, Kitui Central Constituency, where she responded to Musambi’s appeal for her support in his bid to become the area’s next Member of Parliament.
The former governor, who leads Narc, used the occasion to invite the UDA aspirant to her political camp, suggesting that joining her party could be a path towards his parliamentary ambitions.
“You say you have been looking for me, and I want to tell you: come join Narc to become a Member of Parliament,” Ngilu said.
The remarks place party allegiance at the centre of an increasingly competitive succession contest in Kitui Central, where several politicians are positioning themselves to take over from incumbent MP Dr Makali Mulu, who has announced plans to seek the Kitui gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Ngilu’s intervention also raises questions about possible political realignments in the constituency as candidates begin assembling networks and seeking backing from influential regional leaders ahead of the next General Election.
A seat opening up after three terms
The Kitui Central parliamentary seat is attracting growing attention following Mulu’s decision to shift his political ambitions from Parliament to the county’s top executive office.
Mulu, who has represented the constituency for three terms, is preparing to join the race to succeed Governor Julius Malombe, creating an opening that has prompted several politicians to declare interest in the parliamentary seat.
His anticipated departure has transformed the constituency into a focal point of political activity, with aspirants seeking to build grassroots support, mobilise local leaders and establish their credentials before the election.
The contest is also unfolding against the backdrop of a wider political reshuffle in Kitui County, where several elected leaders and aspiring candidates are pursuing different positions ahead of 2027.
Musambi seeks another shot at Parliament
Musambi, who is seeking the Kitui Central seat on a UDA ticket, is among the aspirants already campaigning for the constituency.
He contested the seat in the 2022 General Election against Mulu and has since renewed his bid to represent the constituency in Parliament.
In March 2026, Musambi publicly declared his intention to contest the seat, citing his engagement with residents and efforts to lobby for development projects in the constituency.
His campaign has highlighted infrastructure, education and development initiatives as key issues he wants voters to consider.
Ngilu’s invitation now presents Musambi with a political choice to consider as the race gathers momentum: whether to remain in UDA or explore an alternative political platform.
However, it remains unclear whether Musambi intends to heed Ngilu’s call. His response to the former governor’s latest remarks could help clarify his political strategy as the campaign period approaches.
Who else is eyeing the Kitui Central seat?
Musambi is not the only politician seeking to capitalise on the anticipated vacancy.
Other names reported to be positioning themselves for the constituency include Augustus Muli, Kyangwithya West MCA and Deputy Speaker Nzilu, Crispus Ileli and former UDA senatorial aspirant Stephen Kilonzo.
Muli, who leads the National Liberal Party and is associated with the Anzauni National Party, announced his interest in the Kitui Central parliamentary seat in January 2026, adding another political platform to the emerging contest.
The presence of aspirants from different parties could make party nominations, local alliances and grassroots mobilisation significant features of the race.
The final field, however, remains subject to further declarations, party decisions and the political calculations that typically shape constituency contests ahead of a general election.
The party question
Ngilu’s remarks have introduced a party-alignment question into a race that is already attracting attention because of Mulu’s planned gubernatorial bid.
For Musambi, remaining in UDA would mean continuing his campaign under the party on which he has declared his candidacy. Joining Narc would represent a change in political affiliation and potentially alter the alliances around his bid.
For Ngilu, the public invitation offers an opportunity to put Narc into the conversation surrounding the succession contest in Kitui Central.
Whether the appeal develops into a formal political arrangement remains to be seen.
The exchange at Kavisi also illustrates how public gatherings, including funerals, continue to provide opportunities for politicians to make appeals, respond to rivals and signal possible alliances in the run-up to elections.
A contest still taking shape
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the Kitui Central race is likely to attract more entrants and political manoeuvres as aspirants seek to distinguish themselves.
Mulu’s planned move to the gubernatorial contest has created an opening, while Musambi’s UDA candidacy and Ngilu’s Narc invitation have brought party politics into sharper focus.
The constituency’s emerging contest will ultimately be shaped by the candidates who formally enter the race, their political platforms and the issues residents consider most important.
For now, Ngilu’s message to Musambi has added a fresh talking point to the succession debate: whether the battle for Kitui Central will remain primarily a contest between individual aspirants or also become a test of competing party alliances.
