NLP leader Muli eyes Kitui Central seat in 2027

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National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli has set his sights on the Kitui Central parliamentary seat in 2027, describing the constituency race as the first step in what supporters believe could eventually become a presidential bid.

Speaking during the party’s rally at Kitui Stadium, Muli said every national political journey must begin at home.

“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,” he said.

The remarks come just weeks after NLP held a major political rally in Kitui that the party says attracted more than 6,000 supporters, reigniting debate over its ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

While Muli has officially declared his interest in the Kitui Central parliamentary seat, sections of the party are urging him to consider flying the NLP presidential flag.

Muli has yet to announce whether he will seek the country’s top seat, maintaining that his immediate priority is strengthening the party and winning elected positions.

At the rally, he reiterated NLP’s position that it is prepared to work with either the government or the opposition but will only enter political partnerships that benefit 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 party says it has more than 500,000 registered members nationwide and plans to field candidates in parliamentary and county races across several regions.

Political analysts say a convincing victory in Kitui Central would significantly boost Muli’s profile by giving him an elected platform and testing the popularity of his political message.

However, they note that a presidential campaign would require a far broader national network, stronger political alliances, greater financial resources and support beyond Ukambani.

Should Muli eventually join the presidential race, he would face competition from established 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, all of whom already command varying degrees of national recognition and political influence.

Even so, supporters argue that Muli’s appeal lies in presenting himself as a fresh political alternative focused on jobs, accountability, devolution and equitable development.

For now, however, the NLP leader insists his focus remains on Kitui Central.

Whether that contest becomes the foundation of a broader national political journey may depend on the outcome of the 2027 parliamentary election.

As Muli told supporters:

“Our voice is going to be very important in 2027. Ukambani will no longer be delivered on a silver platter.”

Reporting originally appeared via KBC Digital. Read the full source for additional context.