The race to succeed Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu is gathering political momentum, with National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli positioning himself as a serious contender in a constituency preparing for a new political chapter ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Muli is building his political profile around three key pillars: traditional leadership, grassroots community networks and a national political party seeking to expand its influence in Ukambani. His development initiatives through the Kyalo Kya Maendeleo Foundation add another dimension to his growing political ambitions.
His latest elevation came on October 31, 2026, when he was installed as Chief Kyalo Muli I at Misuuni, Ngiini Village, in a ceremony marking the revival of the Anzauni traditional chiefdom after more than seven decades without a recognised chief.
📊 Channel 15 News Opinion Poll
The installation followed a decision by the Anzauni Governing Council and attracted national community leaders, including chairman Mutuku Mutava, alongside the Akamba Council of Elders, represented by chairman James Syengo.
Beyond its cultural significance, the recognition places Muli at the centre of an established community institution whose networks could become an important political asset as campaigns gather pace.
The grassroots political equation
Anzauni reportedly has 14 sub-branches in Kitui Central, with community representatives estimating membership at between 500 and 1,000 people per branch. Its strongest presence is reported in Kyangwithya East, followed by Miambani and Township, with additional networks in Kyangwithya West and Mulango.
The organisation has established leadership structures and welfare arrangements addressing family disputes, land disagreements, medical emergencies and funeral expenses. Its networks also extend into Machakos and Makueni.
David Mwoni, the national organising secretary, also chairs Central Division Anzauni in Kitui Central.
While community membership does not automatically translate into votes, the structure offers Muli an existing grassroots platform from which to build political support.
NLP and the Ukambani political contest
Muli’s leadership of NLP gives him a wider political platform beyond traditional community structures.
The party’s August 2026 rally at Kitui Stadium demonstrated its mobilisation ambitions. Officials have claimed membership approaching 500,000 nationally and more than 200,000 in Ukambani, figures that remain independently unverified.
Through NLP, Muli is seeking to establish himself as more than a local aspirant, with a political organisation capable of participating in national alliance negotiations or contesting independently.
His Kyalo Kya Maendeleo Foundation has also been associated with education assistance, water projects and youth development. He has additionally proposed a central Anzauni welfare fund to support members facing medical emergencies and funeral expenses.
Who will succeed Makali Mulu?
The succession contest is gaining significance as Mulu pursues the Kitui gubernatorial seat, leaving an opening for aspirants including Boniface Mutisya Musambi, Christopher Nzilu Nzioka and Pauline Mwania.
With five wards — Township, Kyangwithya East, Kyangwithya West, Miambani and Mulango — the parliamentary race will require candidates to demonstrate appeal beyond their immediate support bases.
For Muli, the real political test will be converting traditional recognition, organisational networks and party leadership into a convincing constituency-wide mandate.
As 2027 approaches, he is positioning himself as one of the candidates to watch in the battle for Kitui Central.
