Opposition leaders on Friday kick off their three-day Western Kenya tour in Vihiga and Malava, where they faulted President William Ruto’s administration over what they termed as failure to address key national challenges while presenting themselves as the alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.
The leaders, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, PLP leader Martha Karua, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, addressed a series of rallies across the two counties.
The opposition team held meetings in Luanda, Khwirumbi, Khayega, Malava and Mayunge, drawing large crowds as leaders pushed for what they termed a united front against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during the rallies, the leaders faulted the government over the high cost of living, increased taxation and economic hardships facing Kenyans. They also accused the administration of sidelining ordinary citizens in key policy decisions.
Governor Natembeya criticised the government’s affordable housing program, terming it unconstitutional and promising that an opposition government would review projects linked to the initiative if elected in 2027.
Gachagua called on opposition leaders to remain united, saying consultations were ongoing to identify a single presidential candidate capable of challenging President Ruto in the next election.
Kalonzo Musyoka urged Kenyans to reject policies linked to the Finance Bill 2026/27, arguing that the proposals would further burden struggling households and businesses.
The Western Kenya tour is part of broader opposition efforts to consolidate support and strengthen coalition-building ahead of the 2027 polls. Opposition leaders have recently intensified joint rallies and consultations across different regions as they seek to build momentum against the ruling coalition.
The leaders are expected to continue their Western Kenya tour on Saturday with rallies and stopovers in Shianda, Bumala, Nambale, Harambee Market and Ekitale town before proceeding to Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties on Sunday.
The tour is expected to culminate in Kiminini and Kitale town, where the opposition leaders are scheduled to hold their final major rally in the region.
