Opposition leaders (from left): George Natembeya, Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang’i, Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa in Kisumu on July 3, 2025.
The Opposition, led by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Thursday stormed Raila Odinga’s political bastion of Western in an escalated scramble for votes in 2027.
Riding on the growing perception that Mr Odinga may not run for the presidency in the next poll, the leaders rallied the region to vote out President William Ruto by casting their lot with one of the opposition figures.
The team also included former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, former CS Justin Muturi and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission data from the last election, the Western region counties of Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia had a cumulative 2,217,948 registered voters. Mr Odinga polled 843,893 votes against President Ruto’s 513,506. Dr Ruto beat Mr Odinga in Bungoma, getting 255,906 against the ODM leader’s 145,280.
Governor George Natembeya speaks to residents of Luanda, Vihiga County, on July 3, 2025, on the first day of the united Opposition's tour of the Western region.
The politicians declared that they are under no pressure to unveil their presidential flag bearer, maintaining that their priority is fostering unity among themselves, holding President William Ruto’s administration to account and ensuring they ascend to power.
The leaders continued their “one-term” campaign against President Ruto during the first day of their tour of region. They focused on the controversial leasing of sugar factories, fractured Luhya unity, alleged State sponsorship of recent unrest and unfulfilled pledges made by the President.
“This is team one-term. At the right moment, we shall settle on our flagbearer, but right now our immediate task is to forge a formidable alliance. Don’t worry our candidate will emerge as the first among equals,” declared Mr Musyoka.
He dismissed claims of internal strife, characterising them as fabrications by adversaries unnerved by the opposition’s growing national influence.
His remarks followed media reports suggesting discord within the coalition, with various factions allegedly pushing for their respective leaders as the presidential frontrunner.
Mr Musyoka urged supporters to disregard such claims, particularly those by Kisii County Governor Simba Arati alleging infighting and disrespect among coalition leaders.
“Our mission is to rescue Kenya from bad governance. We cannot betray the confidence of millions by indulging in division. This tour is a testament to our unity. We are focused on strengthening our bond and mapping our collective journey forward,” he said.
Mr Musyoka hinted at an imminent retreat where opposition leaders would chart a comprehensive roadmap.
Turning his gun on the President, the Wiper leader challenged Dr Ruto to honour the Constitution and resign.
“Instead of wasting time lamenting about being forced out, he should do the most honourable thing and quit,” he said
Dr Matiang’i, said that members of the coalition had resolved to remain united, urging the citizenry to support their bid for leadership.
“We are committed to transformative change. The current administration has proven itself unequal to the task of governance. Entrust us with leadership and we shall steer the nation to prosperity,” he proclaimed.
Mr Wamalwa, asserted that their alliance is destined to clinch victory in the 2027 General Election and urged all Kenyans to unite behind their vision.
He accused Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya of compromising the interests of Western Kenya.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa (left), flanked by fellow Opposition leaders, speaks to the media in Kisumu on July 3, 2025.
“Mudavadi sold his party to prove his loyalty to President Ruto. Oparanya fears court cases over his gubernatorial tenure. These are acts of betrayal,” said Mr Wamalwa.
The leaders also condemned the recent violent protests, which claimed lives and resulted in extensive destruction. They accused the State of orchestrating the violence, questioning how such chaos could transpire under the government’s watch.
“The government possesses the tools, including the National Intelligence Service, to thwart such violence. Why did they not intercept the funds allegedly used to finance the protests?” queried Dr Matiang’i.
He challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to cease offering excuses and start delivering on his mandate.
“We lack both the means and the intention to fund chaos. Disorder serves us no purpose. We conduct ourselves with order precisely because we desire a peaceful environment,” he said.
The opposition’s joint campaigns have penetrated regions traditionally seen as strongholds of both President Ruto and Mr Odinga.
In multiple stopovers, including Luanda, Mbale, Navakholo and Kakamega town, speakers called upon the Luhya community to leverage their numerical strength in future political negotiations.
Mr Gachagua, who is the Democracy for Citizens Party leader, urged unity, warning that division would only perpetuate marginalisation.
“You’ve long been treated as brokers to government. That must end. This time, come directly to the table. Support Wamalwa, [Cleophas] Malala and Natembeya,” he said.
He criticised Mr Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for settling on a promised 30 per cent share of government, arguing that it has yielded nothing tangible for the region.
Mr Natembeya echoed Mr Gachagua’s sentiments, insisting that a united Luhya nation could not be ignored.
“This time, we shall not be sidelined. We must be at the table, not through proxies, but as principal actors,” he declared.
He further demanded that opposition leaders be allowed to address the public freely, without State interference.
Opaque nature of the deals
Mr Malala lamented that the appointments of Mr Wetang’ula and Mr Mudavadi had brought no substantive gains to the region.
Mr Muturi, a one-time close ally of President Ruto, stated that their collective defection was a clear indication of deeper problems within the Presidency.
“Ruto is incapable of working with others. Medicines are expiring in warehouses while hospitals lack essential supplies. It’s a calculated scheme by his cronies to supply new drugs,” he said.
The controversial leasing of publicly owned sugar factories featured prominently in their grievances. Mr Wamalwa and Mr Malala questioned the opaque nature of the deals, citing lack of public participation.
“These factories have been sold behind closed doors. We demand full disclosure,” said Mr Malala.
In a dramatic scene in Kakamega, the leaders arrived atop their vehicles even as a group of youth lit bonfires at Amalemba in an apparent attempt to block their entry.
Mr Musyoka accused Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa of planning the blockade, calling it a futile gesture.
“We are unstoppable, just like the Nile flowing into the Mediterranean. For Governor Barasa to attempt to stop us is shameful,” he declared.
Dr Matiang’i asserted that all Kenyans have the constitutional right to traverse the country freely.
“Kakamega is not Barasa’s private estate. It belongs to the people of Kenya,” he said.
He called on the youth to resist manipulation and instead register as voters to secure their rightful place in leadership.
The leaders also castigated Mr Odinga for betraying his supporters by joining forces with those he once opposed.
The opposition’s offensive comes after similar rallies in Ukambani and the Coast regions. The team is scheduled to visit Bungoma and Trans Nzoia today.
