National Liberal party leader Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli has intensified the debate on Ukambani’s political future after issuing a hard-hitting open letter to Wiper leader Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka , urging him to spearhead a grand unity pact before the 2027 General Election.
In the strongly worded statement, Muli dismissed claims linking him to President William Ruto or former Deputy President , insisting that his political mission is solely centered on protecting Ukambani’s interests.
“I am not Ruto’s proxy. I am not Gachagua’s messenger. I am Ukambani’s insurance policy,” Muli declared.
The NLP leader argued that Ukambani has for decades remained politically relevant during elections but economically sidelined after every political cycle. According to him, the region’s voting strength has repeatedly been used to boost larger coalitions without meaningful returns for local residents.
Muli pointed to Gachagua’s controversial political statement that “5 million can’t support 3 million,” saying the remark reflects a deeper strategy of power consolidation rather than mere political rhetoric.
“It is not an insult. It is a strategy. And it has worked against us for 60 years because we walk to the negotiation table divided and weak,” Muli stated.
He challenged Kalonzo to transition from being merely Ukambani’s long-serving political kingpin into a unifying statesman capable of consolidating the region into a formidable voting bloc.
“You have carried Ukambani for over three decades. We honor you for that. But carrying Ukambani and uniting Ukambani are two different assignments. The first made you our elder. The second can give us the presidency,” Muli wrote.
Under his proposed “Ukambani Unity Pact 2027,” Muli wants leaders from Machakos, Kitui, Makueni and diaspora communities to unite behind a common development and political agenda focused on water, roads, irrigation, jobs and markets.
He further proposed the formation of a nine-member negotiating council bringing together political parties, elders, clergy, professionals, youth, women and diaspora representatives to oversee political negotiations and prevent what he termed as “midnight political deals.”
“The era of ‘I was called to State House’ ends. We were all called to poverty. That is the only call we answer now,” he stated.
Muli also revisited past elections, accusing successive governments of failing to reward Ukambani despite overwhelming electoral support from the region.
“1997: We gave votes. We got dust. 2013: We gave votes. Our dams stalled. 2017: We gave votes. We got hunger. 2022: We gave votes. We got promises,” he lamented.
The letter, which was copied to the Kamba Council of Elders, professionals’ associations, diaspora groups and media houses, signals a growing push by emerging leaders to redefine Ukambani politics ahead of the next presidential contest.
Muli maintained that only a united regional bloc would command respect in national politics and potentially position the Kamba community for a serious presidential bid in future elections.
“My hand is not extended to beg. It is extended to build. The agenda is clear. The numbers are possible. If we unite, we win with you. If we don’t, we all lose, including you,” he concluded.
