By Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli
Those who believe the Migwani Ward by-election is a two-horse race between the Wiper Patriotic Front and UDA may be in for a surprise. The National Liberal Party (NLP) is positioning itself to challenge that assumption and demonstrate its growing political influence in Ukambani.
We are not in this race merely to participate. We are in it to compete, to be heard and to prove that grassroots politics can offer voters a credible alternative.
NLP has consistently fielded candidates in recent by-elections across the country, including in Siaya, Kasipul, Nairobi and Ol Kalou. These contests have helped us build political visibility, strengthen grassroots networks and establish a presence beyond our traditional support base. The Migwani Ward by-election now offers an opportunity to translate that experience into electoral support on home ground.
The contest also raises an important question about political representation: are parties listening to local communities when selecting candidates, or are they asking voters to accept decisions made elsewhere?
The nomination processes of our competitors have exposed concerns about consultation and local representation. In Migwani, the perceived distance between some candidates and the communities they seek to represent could become a decisive electoral issue.
UDA appears to be grappling with internal disagreements over its candidate, raising questions about the party’s ability to sustain a united campaign. Concerns have also been raised about whether the selection process adequately reflected the wishes of local voters.
Wiper faces a related challenge. Questions about its candidate’s connection to Migwani have fuelled debate over whether local roots and community interests received sufficient consideration. Reports of reluctance among some former aspirants to support the candidate could further complicate the party’s campaign.
These developments present an opportunity for NLP. Elections are not won by party labels alone. They are won by candidates who understand their communities, listen to their concerns and earn the confidence of voters.
Our approach has been different. Before settling on our candidate, we undertook extensive consultations within the community. Andrew Kaleli emerged from that process as a candidate with roots in Migwani and an established connection to the people he seeks to represent.
Kaleli also brings experience beyond electoral politics. During his tenure as Personal Assistant to Senator David Musila, he was involved in development initiatives in the area. That experience has exposed him to the practical challenges of coordinating development and responding to community needs.
For Migwani residents, the central question should be straightforward: who can represent their interests effectively, remain accessible after the election and turn local priorities into tangible results?
This by-election should not be reduced to a proxy contest between national political formations positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election. National alliances matter, but the immediate responsibility of a ward representative is to the people who elect them.
At NLP, we believe Kaleli offers the local connection, experience and commitment that Migwani needs. Our confidence rests not only on our candidate but also on our grassroots approach and willingness to engage voters directly.
We are under no illusion that money plays no role in modern electoral campaigns. However, financial resources cannot automatically buy public trust, nor can campaign spending substitute for meaningful engagement with voters. Our strategy is to rely on community outreach, credible leadership and the relationships we have worked to build.
NLP has demonstrated its willingness to compete nationally. We are now bringing that determination and experience back to Ukambani, confident that Migwani voters are ready to consider an alternative.
We have tested our strength nationally. Now we are ready to prove it at home.
Migwani’s future should be determined by its voters, not by assumptions about which parties are destined to win. The choice belongs to the people of Migwani.
Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli is the Party Leader of the National Liberal Party (NLP) and Patron of the Anzauni Clan.
