NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 — National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli has set his sights on the Kitui Central parliamentary seat in 2027, positioning the constituency contest as the first step in a political journey that could eventually take him to the national stage.Speaking during an NLP rally at Kitui Stadium, Muli said his political journey had to begin in his home constituency before expanding across the country.“Kenyan politics is very localized. That’s why I have started my political journey in Kitui. God willing, I’ll move out and engage with the rest of the country. But charity must begin at home,” he said.Muli’s declaration formalises an ambition that has been building in Kitui Central for months, with residents and party supporters urging him to seek the parliamentary seat currently held by Makali Mulu.Mulu is pursuing the Kitui governorship in 2027, creating an opening in a constituency where Muli has cultivated a grassroots base through community engagement and development initiatives.Through the Kyalo Kya Maendeleo Foundation, Muli has supported projects including education bursaries and water initiatives, helping build a local profile beyond election campaigns.His backing within the Anzauni community is also expected to form an important component of his constituency campaign as he seeks to convert that grassroots support into votes.Muli’s parliamentary bid is taking on added significance because of his position as leader of a national political party seeking to establish itself as an alternative political force.NLP has increasingly sought to expand its footprint in Ukambani, challenging the dominance of established political formations and positioning itself for a larger role in the 2027 elections.The party says it has more than 500,000 registered members nationally and plans to field candidates in parliamentary and county contests across several regions.At the Kitui rally, Muli said NLP would remain open to working with both the government and opposition, but would only enter political partnerships that advance the interests of its supporters.“We are not going to beg. We are going to bargain and fight for our people. We are also willing to go alone,” he said.Sections of the party have meanwhile been pushing Muli to consider seeking the NLP presidential ticket, arguing that his national profile and leadership of the party could make him a potential contender for the country’s top office.Muli has not declared a presidential bid, however, maintaining that his immediate priority is strengthening NLP and securing elected positions.A victory in Kitui Central would give Muli an elected platform and provide an early test of whether his grassroots support can translate into electoral strength.It would also give him greater leverage as he seeks to build NLP into a credible national political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election.Political analysts, however, caution that a successful parliamentary campaign would be only an initial step towards a presidential bid, which would require a substantially wider national network, stronger alliances, greater financial resources and support beyond Ukambani.Should Muli eventually enter the presidential race, he would face established political figures including President William Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.For now, Muli’s immediate political test remains Kitui Central.His ability to convert his community record, Anzauni base and NLP machinery into a parliamentary victory could determine whether the constituency becomes simply a political homecoming — or the launchpad for a much bigger national ambition.“Our voice is going to be very important in 2027. Ukambani will no longer be delivered on a silver platter,” he told supporters.