History and politics converged in Misuuni, Ngiini Village, Kitui County, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli was installed as His Royal Highness Chief Kyalo Muli I. This marked the revival of the Anzauni clan's traditional leadership after more than 70 years. The ceremony was presided over by Anzauni Clan Chairman Mutuku Mutava and the Akamba Clan Council of Elders, led by its chairman James Syengo.
The elaborate cultural ceremony attracted five other clan leaders and hundreds of Anzauni members drawn from Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, and neighbouring Tanzania. Organisers estimate that the Anzauni clan has a population of more than 400,000 people within the wider Kamba community, which has over two million registered voters. They described the restoration of the chiefdom as a significant cultural milestone that could also strengthen the community's collective voice in political and development affairs.
However, the coronation took place against the backdrop of growing political debate in Ukambani over leadership, unity, and the region's position ahead of the 2027 General Election. The ceremony came days after pro-Edwin Sifuna chants directed at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi headquarters triggered debate about political loyalties and the direction of Kamba politics.
Addressing the gathering after taking his oath of office, the newly installed Chief, who also leads the National Liberal Party (NLP), called on the community to overcome internal divisions and strengthen its bargaining position in national politics. "The community must remain united to command influence and respect at the 2027 negotiating table in order to clinch power," he said. "The recent ugly scenes of political heckling are a direct result of the dwindling influence among the top Kamba leadership. We cannot afford to be divided."
Chief Muli has consistently advocated greater unity among the Kamba community, arguing that the region should approach political alliances and negotiations with a common development agenda. He has previously maintained that political partnerships should deliver tangible benefits to the community, including improved access to water, better roads, employment opportunities, agricultural development, and stronger political representation.
The new chief said his administration would be guided by five pillars: Unity, Heritage, Development, Empowerment, and Representation. Among the priorities outlined are support for education through bursaries, improved access to clean water, economic empowerment for women and young people, and advocacy for vulnerable members of society. The initiatives build on programmes he has previously championed through the Kyalo Kya Maendeleo Foundation.
Born in Misuuni, Dr. Muli is an alumnus of Starehe Boys Centre, Kenyatta University, and MG University Dubai. He is a Dubai-based entrepreneur and serves as Chairman of Membership and Partnerships at the East Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Asia. The Akamba Clan Council of Elders described the restoration of the Anzauni chiefdom as a major milestone in preserving Kamba customs, language, traditions, and customary law for future generations.
Key points
- Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli was installed as Chief Kyalo Muli I, reviving the Anzauni clan's traditional leadership.
- The new chief called for Kamba community unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- Chief Muli's administration will focus on unity, heritage, development, empowerment, and representation.
