NAIROBI, Kenya — National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Kyalo Muli has declared his intention to contest the Kitui Central parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, marking what he describes as the beginning of a broader political journey.
Muli made the declaration during an NLP rally at Kitui Stadium, where he told supporters that his immediate political focus was to secure an elective position in his home constituency before expanding his national engagement.
“Kenyan politics is very localized. That’s why I have started my political journey in Kitui. God willing, I’ll move out and engage with the rest of the country. But charity must begin at home,” Muli said.
His declaration formalises an ambition that has been gaining momentum in Kitui Central, where supporters have been urging him to challenge incumbent MP Makali Mulu.
Mulu is expected to pursue the Kitui governorship in 2027, potentially creating an opening in the parliamentary constituency.
Muli banks on grassroots network
Muli has spent recent months building his profile in Kitui through community initiatives and political mobilisation.
Through the Kyalo Kya Maendeleo Foundation, he has supported projects focused on education bursaries and water initiatives, activities that have helped establish his presence in the constituency outside formal election campaigns.
His support among the Anzauni community is also expected to form part of his campaign strategy as he seeks to translate his grassroots networks into electoral support.
The Kitui Central contest could therefore provide an important test of whether Muli’s community profile can translate into votes.
NLP seeks bigger role in 2027
Muli’s parliamentary ambition also carries significance because he heads a national political party seeking to expand its footprint ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NLP has been increasing its political activities in Ukambani as it seeks to establish itself as an alternative to established political formations.
The party says it has more than 500,000 registered members nationally and intends to field candidates in parliamentary and county contests in several parts of the country.
Muli told supporters that NLP would remain open to political cooperation with both the government and opposition, but would not enter alliances without securing benefits for its supporters.
“We are not going to beg. We are going to bargain and fight for our people. We are also willing to go alone,” he said.
The statement signals an attempt by NLP to maintain flexibility as political parties negotiate alliances and coalitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Pressure grows for Muli to consider presidency
Some members of the party have also been urging Muli to consider seeking the NLP presidential ticket in 2027.
Those backing the idea argue that his position as party leader and growing political profile could provide a platform for a national presidential campaign.
Muli, however, has not declared a presidential bid.
For now, he has indicated that his priority is strengthening NLP’s structures and securing elected positions, beginning with Kitui Central.
A parliamentary victory would give him an elected political platform and potentially strengthen his bargaining position in national coalition negotiations.
Kitui Central as a political launchpad
Muli’s campaign could also become an early measure of NLP’s ability to convert party structures and grassroots mobilisation into electoral victories.
Political ambitions beyond Kitui would require the party to establish a considerably broader national network, develop alliances across regions and secure sufficient financial and organisational resources.
A successful Kitui Central campaign would nevertheless give Muli an important political base from which to pursue a larger national role.
The 2027 political contest already features several prominent figures, including President William Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Muli’s immediate challenge, however, remains securing the Kitui Central seat.
If successful, the victory could transform the constituency from a local political ambition into a launchpad for a wider national project.
“Our voice is going to be very important in 2027. Ukambani will no longer be delivered on a silver platter,” Muli told supporters.
