Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli, leader of the National Liberal Party (NLP) during a campaign/FILEThe National Liberal Party (NLP) has announced its intention to move from the edges of Kenya’s political space and take a central role in shaping the country’s future.
Secretary General Omondi K’Oyoo said the party, led by Dr Augustus Muli, aims to give Kenyans an alternative voice at a time when many citizens feel disappointed by repeated unfulfilled promises from long-standing political outfits.
Speaking to The Star, K’Oyoo described the political environment in Ukambani as one that is slowly shifting, with new players rising to challenge the dominance of traditional parties.
“In the shifting sands of Kenya’s political terrain, where legacy parties often monopolise the narrative and emerging voices are dismissed as peripheral noise, a quiet revolution is stirring in the heart of Ukambani,” he said.
The move comes at a time when the scramble for the Ukambani vote is gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
For decades, Wiper Party leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has been the main political figure in the Lower Eastern region, backed by strong grassroots support.
But that dominance is facing new pressure as emerging leaders and parties seek to redefine the region’s political direction.
K’Oyoo pointed out that NLP now has more than 200,000 registered members in Ukambani, including 130,000 from Kitui County alone, the backyard of Kalonzo.
He said these numbers prove that the party is no longer a fringe movement but a growing political force.
“These are not mere numbers; they are a declaration. A declaration that the people of Ukambani are no longer content to be passive spectators in national development, nor perennial pawns in opposition theatrics,” he said.
Nationally, NLP boasts close to half a million members, which K’Oyoo said shows the party is no longer tied to regional politics.
According to him, the party reflects a major shift in Kenya’s political thinking — one where ideology and principles matter more than tribal loyalties and personal alliances.
He argued that ignoring NLP would be ignoring a growing call for inclusion, reform, and renewal.
The party has been pushing for issue-based politics, youth involvement, and inclusive leadership.
Over the last year, party leader Muli has conducted community consultative meetings, youth empowerment events, and inter-clan development dialogues.
With Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties forming a key voting bloc, parties are intensifying their preparations as they eye the 2027 polls.
While Wiper still enjoys support among older voters, analysts note that younger voters are increasingly drawn to newer parties, which promise practical leadership and more participatory governance.
