"Ready bargain": NLP ready to work with govt or opposition ahead of 2027

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- The National Liberal Party held a rally at Kitui Stadium attended by more than 5,000 supporters, where party leader Augustus Muli set out NLP's political position ahead of 2027

- Muli said NLP was open to engagement with any political formation, but warned the party was prepared to contest the 2027 elections independently

- The NLP leader also announced he would personally contest the Kitui Central parliamentary seat in 2027 on the party's ticket

The National Liberal Party (NLP) has publicly stated that it will engage both the ruling government and the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election, but on its own terms, refusing to seek political accommodation at the cost of its principles.

NLP leader Augustus Muli delivered the declaration at a rally held at Kitui Stadium, which drew over 5,000 supporters in what observers described as one of the largest political gatherings in the region in recent years. He said the party was open to joining any political formation, provided that such an alliance genuinely safeguarded the interests of the Ukambani region.

"NLP will work with either Opposition or Government. But we are not going to beg. We are going to bargain and fight for our people. We are also willing to go alone," Muli told the crowd.

NLP's Independent Bargaining Position

The rally followed a decision by NLP delegates approximately one month earlier to open talks with other political parties, including the government, in pursuit of what the party described as the broader interests of the Kamba community.

Muli stressed that this approach would not come at the cost of the party's identity or independence.

He said NLP had no intention of dissolving as a political party or of blindly aligning with any single politician ahead of the 2027 polls.

"Our voice is going to be very important in 2027," he said.

Muli also confirmed his intention to contest the Kitui Central parliamentary seat on the NLP ticket in 2027.

Concerns Over Treatment of Kalonzo Musyoka

Muli acknowledged the seniority and experience of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, while questioning the manner in which the former vice president had been treated by political rivals. He cited this as a key reason for his caution about the opposition.

"Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka is an experienced politician. Despite all his achievements, he has been humiliated by Gachagua and sections of the opposition," he said, adding: "What about me? If they cannot treat Kalonzo well, I will have no chance at all in the opposition team."

The remarks were met with loud cheers from the crowd. Muli also noted that his party's attempts to engage Kalonzo Musyoka had so far not received a response.

On the question of engaging the government, Muli rejected suggestions that such talks amounted to a political surrender. He argued that, with one year remaining before the next election, residents needed tangible development.

"We have no problems talking to the Government. Our people want development. We will therefore continue to engage the Government, and even Linda Mwananchi. Tuko tayari kuongea na watu wote for the benefit of our people," he said.

The rally concluded with NLP delegates formally resolving that the party would negotiate with either side of the political divide but was equally prepared to contest the 2027 elections independently if its interests and those of Ukambani were not secured.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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