Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli, the Patron of the Anzauni Clan and leader of the National Liberal Party (NLP), has expressed concern over the prevailing assumption within the opposition that it is automatically “Kalonzo Musyoka’s time” to lead into the 2027 presidential election.
Muli has criticized Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for leveraging Kamba votes as a means to secure political positions for himself. He advocates that the community should instead pursue concrete development and economic opportunities.
Speaking in Kitui prior to his coronation as Chief of the Anzauni Clan on October 3, 2026, Muli emphasized his commitment to uniting his clan and fortifying his political base.
“My foremost goal is to bring my clan and my party together. When my house is in order, I can effectively negotiate better opportunities for my people,” he stated.
Muli pointed out that political leaders debating term limits often prioritize their own political survival over the genuine needs of ordinary Kenyans.
He argued that the 2027 elections should focus on securing long-term prosperity for the nation rather than merely determining which politicians retain their positions.
“Many of our leaders mislead us. Their focus is not on the people but on retaining their seats. I would prefer to lose an election if it means my people benefit rather than win while they remain in poverty. My personal success is secondary,” he asserted.
Muli urged the Kamba community to evaluate the development record of its political leaders, particularly in Tseikuru, which he noted is Musyoka’s home area.
“Visit Mt. Kenya, home to Gachagua, where cash crops thrive, businesses flourish, and tarmacked roads abound. Look at Kisii, home to Matiang’i, where development is evident. Consider Western, home to Sifuna, where progress is clear. Now, compare that to Tseikuru, where Kalonzo, a Vice President and Minister for 40 years, has not delivered basic necessities like water or tarmacked roads,” he explained.
Muli contended that Musyoka’s political strategy has consistently revolved around securing positions rather than advocating for tangible benefits for the Kamba community.
“It is evident that Kalonzo is primarily interested in using Kamba votes to negotiate for personal gain, as he has always done. His negotiations focus on himself, not the community,” Muli stated.
He acknowledged that his stance might attract criticism, especially from those who expect Kamba leaders to support one of their own.
“People may label me for not backing a fellow Kamba leader. However, when has Kalonzo ever supported or acknowledged me as a clan and party leader? True leadership is built on mutual respect; one cannot demand loyalty that they have not shown themselves,” he remarked.
Muli expressed confidence that his political network could enhance his ability to negotiate effectively for the community.
“With my 400,000 Anzauni members and 500,000 NLP supporters, I am positioned to advocate for the Kamba community more effectively than Kalonzo ever has,” he stated.
“I will focus on securing vital resources such as water, roads, jobs, and markets for our basket weavers, rather than seeking a personal political position,” he added.
He remains open to collaborating with political leaders across party lines, emphasizing that his political allegiance will be based on the benefits offered to his community rather than partisan loyalty.
“I am willing to negotiate with anyone who is prepared to engage. I will not plead. Whether it is Ruto, Gachagua, or even Kalonzo, I will converse with whoever is ready to offer my people a better deal. I am not beholden to any faction,” he affirmed.
Muli also questioned the level of support for Musyoka’s potential presidential bid among other opposition figures.
“Everyone claims it’s Kalonzo’s time. But will Gachagua truly step aside? Will Matiang’i? Will Orengo and Sifuna in Linda Mwananchi, where Orengo has already announced his own presidential ambitions, yield? I have yet to hear any of them declare ‘Kalonzo Tosha’. So, who has agreed?” he inquired.
Muli concluded by expressing his readiness to take a stand apart from the prevailing political consensus if it serves the best interests of his community.
“A man who walks alone in pursuit of truth is better than one who follows a crowd of lies. When consensus genuinely reflects our time, we can engage. Until then, I will think independently and walk my own path,” he said.
