NLP leader Muli calls for Mt Kenya unity ahead of 2027 elections

National Liberal Party leader Dr Augustus Muli/FILE

National Liberal Party leader Dr Augustus Muli has called for unity across Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at the burial of Stephen Kamunya, father to former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, at Nga’arua Farm in Laikipia County, Muli urged leaders to rise above divisions and pledged that his party would form a coalition with Njenga ahead of the 2027 elections.  

 “This occasion reminds us of the need for peace and togetherness. Mt. Kenya cannot afford fragmentation. Our strength lies in unity, and together with Maina Njenga, we will ensure the region speaks with one voice,” Muli said, drawing applause from mourners.  

With 500,000 members of NLP party and with clan support of almost 400,000 members, Muli claimed that he deserves to be on any negotiation table to safeguard interests of his people.

The burial, attended by thousands, quickly turned into a political stage, exposing simmering tensions over Mt. Kenya’s leadership. 

Njenga warned that the ongoing supremacy battles and trade of insults among political figures could plunge the country into chaos, urging leaders to “tame their tongues.”  

Prominent lawyer Ndegwa Njiru criticised Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s push for a referendum, claiming it was a deliberate ploy to disrupt the 2027 elections out of fear of a united opposition.  

Mudavadi’s push for a national referendum has centered on calls for constitutional changes aimed at governance reform, inclusivity, and stability. 

Supporters argue the referendum could address long-standing issues such as executive structure, devolution, and representation. 

However, Mudavadi has faced resistance from political rivals who view the proposal as unnecessary, divisive, or driven by elite interests rather than public need. Critics also question the timing, cost, and potential to distract from urgent economic and social challenges.

Also speaking at the funeral, politician James Wanjohi rallied Mt. Kenya leaders to rally behind Njenga, insisting he has already been widely acknowledged as the region’s leader. 

His sentiments were echoed by Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia, who declared Njenga the sole political spokesperson for Mt. Kenya, citing his growing support base beyond Laikipia County.  

Kururia condemned attempts to brand Njenga’s supporters as members of the outlawed Mungiki sect, warning that such divisive tactics would not be tolerated. 

He emphasised that the government remains committed to safeguarding the rights of Njenga’s followers

The Mungiki sect is an outlawed movement that emerged in the late 1980s among marginalised youth. Authorities banned it for involvement in extortion, violent enforcement, and clashes with police and rival groups. Mungiki gained notoriety through control of public transport routes, forced “taxes,” and ritualised discipline.