The National Liberal Party has announced its entry into the Migwani Ward MCA seat by-election, unveiling Andrew Kaleli as its candidate. The party leader, Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli, presented Kaleli to supporters in Mwingi West, setting the stage for a competitive contest against candidates from Wiper Democratic Movement, United Democratic Alliance, and National Economic Development Party. The by-election is scheduled for November 17, 2026.
Dr. Muli has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to ensure a peaceful and vigilant election process in Migwani. He expressed concerns about the recent trend of violence in by-elections, citing the need for the IEBC to prevent the intimidation of voters and the involvement of external groups. Muli urged locals to report any suspicious activity or strangers brought into the region to cause chaos.
The National Liberal Party leader emphasized the importance of community involvement in the election, stating that the outcome should be determined by the people of Migwani, not by external influences. He also highlighted his connection to the Anzauni clan, a dominant clan in Mwingi West with over 400,000 members across Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, and Tanzania. Muli expressed confidence in securing the support of his community for Kaleli's campaign.
The Migwani Ward seat became vacant after former MCA Harrison Maluki Mawia was appointed Clerk of the Kitui County Assembly on August 6, 2026. The IEBC subsequently gazetted November 17, 2026, as the by-election date. This contest is seen as an early test of the National Liberal Party's growing influence against established parties in the region.
The by-election is expected to be a closely contested affair, with Wiper Democratic Movement seeking to defend its dominance, United Democratic Alliance aiming to consolidate its presence, and National Economic Development Party attempting to establish a foothold in the area. Dr. Muli's unveiling of Kaleli as the NLP candidate has added a new dimension to the contest.
The National Liberal Party's entry into the Migwani Ward by-election is seen as a strategic move to expand its influence in the region. Dr. Muli's connection to the Anzauni clan and his appeal to the community to support Kaleli's campaign may prove crucial in determining the election's outcome. The party's performance in this by-election could set the tone for its future endeavors in the region.
As the by-election approaches, the people of Migwani Ward are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to elect their new representative. The National Liberal Party's participation, along with other contenders, has injected new energy into the campaign. The IEBC's ability to ensure a peaceful and transparent election process will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Key points
- National Liberal Party enters Migwani Ward by-election with Andrew Kaleli as candidate
- Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli calls for peaceful and vigilant election process
- By-election is seen as test of NLP's growing influence against traditional heavyweights
