NLP Leader Augustus Muli blames national leaders for Ukambani’s underdevelopment

Muli faulted both President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, saying the two bear collective responsibility for the region’s long-standing stagnation. According to the NLP leader, their recent public exchanges only serve to mask deeper systemic failures.

“Both leaders have had opportunities in government. Both must take responsibility for the deliberate impoverishment of Ukambani,” Muli said.

His remarks come amid an escalating war of words between President Ruto and Kalonzo, sparked by comments made by the Head of State on Sunday questioning Kalonzo’s leadership credentials. President Ruto claimed the Wiper leader had failed to deliver development even at the local level, citing the lack of a tarmacked road to Kalonzo’s Tseikuru home. The comments ignited a sharp rebuttal from Kalonzo, intensifying political tensions in the region.

Muli dismissed the exchange as a distraction, arguing that residents of Ukambani have for decades borne the brunt of slow development regardless of which political faction was in power.

“The people of Ukambani can no longer be used as pawns in national political battles. We must reject the politics of poverty and demand meaningful development,” he said.

The NLP leader revealed that his party, in collaboration with other like-minded movements, is in the process of forming a people-driven coalition aimed at challenging what he termed “toxic political ideologies” propagated by both the ruling and opposition leadership.

“Ukambani deserves roads, schools, hospitals and industries—not endless political insults,” Muli stated, adding that the coalition would prioritise tangible development outcomes over personality-driven politics.

Muli noted growing frustration among emerging leaders and young voters in Ukambani, who feel the region has been consistently sidelined despite its significant electoral influence. He suggested that the proposed coalition could signal a broader political realignment ahead of the next general election.