NLP says it has a Presidential candidate, will not back Kalonzo or Matiang’i

NLP presidential candidate Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli said the party intends to field its own candidate and pursue either victory or participation in a winning coalition. He dismissed expectations that the party would line up behind established opposition figures.

Muli also criticised Kalonzo’s long political career, arguing that it has not translated into meaningful gains for the community, and called for new leadership ahead of 2027. His remarks risk further fragmenting the Kamba vote and complicating opposition coalition-building efforts.

The declaration comes at a time when the Azimio coalition remains fluid. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who chairs the coalition, has publicly backed Fred Matiang’i. Jubilee is aligned with Matiang’i, while Kalonzo is organizing under a separate “United Opposition” platform.

 Other Azimio affiliates have yet to formally declare their positions.

Within ODM, internal disagreements between senior party figures and a faction of leaders have added to the uncertainty in the broader opposition landscape.

NLP says it has over 500,000 registered members. While modest compared to larger parties, such numbers could prove consequential in a closely contested election. In 2022, President William Ruto defeated Raila Odinga by just over 200,000 votes, underscoring how relatively small voting blocs can influence the final outcome.

Political analysts note that Muli’s decision to maintain independence may be a strategic move aimed at strengthening the party’s bargaining position in future coalition negotiations.

Muli has recently intensified outreach efforts beyond his traditional support base, including engagements in the Coast region and parts of Mt Kenya. 

Earlier, he received public backing from members of the Agikuyu Council of Elders, who encouraged collaboration between Mt Kenya and Ukambani leaders.