The National Liberal Party (NLP) has expressed confidence in its candidate, Andrew Kaleli, ahead of the Migwani Ward by-election, arguing that grassroots mobilisation and local representation could give the party an advantage over its better-established rivals.
NLP Party Leader Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli said the contest presents an opportunity for the party to expand its political influence in Ukambani, despite growing attention on the Wiper Patriotic Front and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Muli said NLP had gained electoral experience through participation in recent by-elections in Siaya, Kasipul, Nairobi and Ol Kalou, where the party sought to build its grassroots networks and establish itself as an alternative political force.
He argued that the Migwani contest would test whether that experience could translate into meaningful support in the party’s home region.
The NLP leader also questioned the candidate-selection processes of its competitors, saying inadequate consultation with local residents and concerns over candidates’ connections to the ward could influence voters’ decisions.
According to Muli, UDA faces the challenge of addressing internal disagreements and concerns about whether its candidate-selection process adequately reflected the views of Migwani residents.
He also raised questions about Wiper’s candidate and the importance of local representation, suggesting that concerns over the nomination process could complicate efforts to unite party supporters behind a single candidate.
The claims reflect NLP’s assessment of the political contest and were not independently established in the statement.
Muli said NLP had taken a different approach by consulting members of the local community before settling on Kaleli as its candidate.
He described Kaleli as a candidate with roots in Migwani and experience in public service and development coordination.
Kaleli previously served as Personal Assistant to Senator David Musila, during which Muli said he was involved in development initiatives in the area.
The NLP leader said the experience had given his candidate an understanding of local development priorities and the challenges facing residents.
Muli maintained that the by-election should focus on leadership, accountability and development rather than being treated solely as a contest between national political parties positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said NLP intended to rely on community engagement and voter confidence rather than financial resources alone, arguing that campaign spending could not replace a candidate’s connection with the electorate.
The Migwani contest is therefore shaping up as an opportunity for NLP to test its grassroots appeal against more established political formations in Ukambani.
Muli said the party was confident in Kaleli’s candidacy and was prepared to compete for the support of Migwani residents.
The final outcome will depend on the electorate’s assessment of the candidates, their political parties and the leadership they offer to the ward.
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