National Liberal Party (NLP) leader has warned Kenya’s political class against taking Ukambani’s voting bloc for granted ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the region’s support will now depend on tangible development and accountability.
In an exclusive interview with Channel 15 News, Dr Muli said the long-standing perception of Ukambani as a predictable voting zone was fading, with voters increasingly demanding measurable delivery rather than political rhetoric. He noted that the region’s estimated two million votes would no longer be easily traded for promises, arguing that leaders must demonstrate clear commitments to development if they expect support.
He criticised what he described as decades of political neglect despite the region producing senior government officials, including ministers and a former Vice President. According to Dr Muli, many parts of Ukambani continue to face inadequate water and electricity supply, poor road infrastructure and high youth unemployment, even as access to education improves.
Dr Muli attributed the situation to a pattern of transactional politics where votes are exchanged for individual political advancement instead of long-term development planning. He maintained that this approach had left the region lagging behind in key sectors despite its significant contribution to national leadership.
The NLP leader also signalled that his party would not automatically align with any major political formation ahead of the 2027 polls, including those associated with William Ruto, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i and Rigathi Gachagua. He said any political engagement would be guided strictly by policy commitments, particularly on job creation, cost of living and the strengthening of devolution.
He argued that Ukambani’s voting strength places it at the centre of national political calculations, especially in a closely contested election, and that regional priorities must therefore be reflected in the national agenda.
Dr Muli said voters in the region were becoming more conscious and less willing to support leaders who fail to deliver, warning that the era of blind political loyalty was coming to an end.
Political observers say the rapid rise of the National Liberal Party is beginning to reshape political conversations not only in Ukambani but also in parts of Mt Kenya and Nairobi, where the party has recently opened new grassroots offices as part of its national expansion strategy.
The party says it has registered more than 200,000 members across Ukambani, with Kitui accounting for the largest share, while its nationwide recruitment campaign is targeting hundreds of thousands of additional supporters ahead of 2027.
NLP has in recent months intensified the opening of ward and constituency offices, including branches in Kitui, Limuru and other regions outside Eastern Kenya, moves analysts interpret as an attempt to transition from a regional outfit into a national political force.
The growing grassroots network, coupled with sustained recruitment drives and town hall engagements, is increasingly positioning the party as a possible bargaining force in coalition negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election, particularly if the presidential race turns into a tight contest.
