We will speak in one voice in 2027 polls-opposition

From left: Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i in Luanda town, Vihiga County, on July 3, 2025. [Brian Kisanji, Standard] The opposition coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to forming a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election, vowing to agree on a single presidential candidate at the appropriate time. This follows reports of ongoing high-stakes meetings aimed at selecting a strong contender to face President William Ruto in the upcoming poll. Led by former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and People's Liberation Party head Martha Karua, the team launched a campaign tour of Western Kenya to consolidate support. The leaders are seeking to shift the region's allegiance from ODM leader Raila Odinga to their new political formation, promising to "unlock Kenya from poor leadership" by removing President Ruto from office in 2027. During rallies in Vihiga and Kakamega counties, Kalonzo said the planned retreat would be key in choosing a strong, consensus candidate. "Our priority is unity and a workable formula. Once we have national consensus, we shall pick a flag bearer, first among equals, to deliver change in 2027," Kalonzo said. He dismissed claims of disunity within the opposition, stating that fears within Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government and Raila's allies stem from the opposition's growing unity. The coalition began their two-day tour in Luanda and Mbale (Vihiga), before heading to Kakamega Town, Lubao, Kambi Mwanza, Navakholo, and Malaha in Kakamega County. Addressing rallies, Gachagua urged the Western region to back their movement, branding it "the real change" the area deserves. He blamed the collapse of local industries, including Nzoia Sugar, Mumias Sugar, and Webuye Pan Paper, on Ruto's administration."They've sold off key industries and crippled your economy, yet they ask for your votes again in 2027," Gachagua said in Luanda. He described Kenyans in Western as his "cousins," claiming he was ousted from government for defending marginalised communities. Gachagua accused Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula of failing to deliver on promises made to the region, such as 30 per cent of government resources and 1,000 kilometres of new roads. "None of these promises has been fulfilled. Mudavadi and Wetang'ula misled you," he said. Former leaders Mukhisa Kituyi and Cleophas Malala echoed similar frustrations. Malala claimed President Ruto once told him the Luhya community only wanted to see fellow Luhyas in high office, not necessarily real development. "As a region, we are tired of broken promises. We must vote for real change in 2027," Malala said. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya reiterated his "Tawe" (No) campaign, urging residents to reject corruption and political complacency. "We've been silent too long. Let's demand our rightful place," he told supporters. The opposition also criticised the government's handling of the June 25, Gen Z protests. Gachagua dismissed claims they were trying to hijack the youth movement, while Muturi condemned alleged abductions of youth protesters. "We can't remain silent as this country deteriorates. The government must stop targeting activists," said Muturi. Wamalwa noted that some victims of last year's and this year's protests were from Western Kenya. "We keep burying our youth. This government is killing its own children," he said. The leaders were joined by several MPs and MCAs. A brief altercation occurred along the Kakamega-Kisumu highway when a group of youths attempted to block their convoy.

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