Muli: Ukambani parties will not dissolve to support Kalonzo

Muli said political parties in the region should retain their identities and negotiate political partnerships on equal terms, dismissing the notion that leaders who decline to fold their parties into Wiper are opposed to Ukambani interests.

His remarks follow a recent exchange between National Economic and Development Party (NEDP) leader Mike Sonko and Wiper's Urbanus Kyalo Wambua, which Muli said exposed growing divisions over political alignment in the region.

Muli argued that supporting a different political party or engaging the national government should not be interpreted as political betrayal or evidence that a leader is working for President William Ruto.

“Since when did having your own political party become an act of betrayal? Since when did supporting Kalonzo become a test of Kamba patriotism? And since when did disagreeing with Wiper automatically make someone a State House project?” he posed.

He said Ukambani belonged to its people rather than any single political party, adding that leaders should be free to support different presidential candidates or negotiate independently ahead of the 2027 polls.

“That is democracy. What is not democracy is telling people: 'Fold your party and support Kalonzo — or you are our enemy.' That is not unity. That is political intimidation,” Muli said.

The NLP leader also defended engagement with the Ruto administration, arguing that working with the sitting government could help secure development projects for the region.

“What is wrong with working with William Ruto anyway? He is the duly elected President of Kenya. If working with the government delivers water, roads, jobs, markets and investment to Ukambani, why should that be wrong?” he said.

Muli said NLP and NEDP were established as independent political parties and should not be expected to surrender their identities as part of a political alliance.

He challenged Wiper to negotiate with other Ukambani parties if it wants their support for Kalonzo rather than demand that they dissolve.

“If Wiper wants our support, come and negotiate for it. If Kalonzo wants Sonko, Muli, Dr. Japheth Kaluyu of UCP, Harun Mwau of PICK, Scholar Nyenze of Mabadiliko Party and other Ukambani leaders in his camp, let him engage them. Persuade us. Do not threaten us,” he said.

Muli called for an all-party Ukambani roundtable bringing together Wiper and other political parties to agree on a common development and political agenda.

He proposed negotiations on issues including water, roads, jobs, agriculture, markets, value addition and political representation, with the outcome captured in a written agreement.

“A coalition is a partnership. It is not a funeral where smaller parties are expected to bury themselves,” Muli said.

He also criticised Kalonzo's long-standing role in Ukambani politics, arguing that the region had remained in opposition for years without securing sufficient development gains.

“The late Hon. Raila Odinga understood something Kalonzo appears unwilling to understand: you can oppose the government and still negotiate for your people. Opposition without results is not a badge of honour. It is a burden on the people,” he said.

Muli said Kalonzo's claim to a unifying role should begin with efforts to bring together leaders across the political divide in Ukambani, including those outside Wiper and the emerging generation of politicians.

“We are not opposed to Kalonzo. We are opposed to political surrender. We are ready for dialogue, coalition and negotiation with any leader who puts the interests of Ukambani first,” he said.

He maintained that while his party's political support could be negotiated, its independence would not be surrendered.

“Our support can be negotiated. Our dignity cannot. Our political identity is not for sale,” Muli said.