COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has dismissed the opposition’s ongoing efforts to woo Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 general election, terming it an “exercise in futility” without the blessing of key regional leaders.
Speaking on Thursday, Atwoli warned that the opposition’s campaign, spearheaded by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, would not succeed in Western unless they secured the support of ODM leader Raila Odinga, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
“Someone tell Gachagua and Kalonzo, as long as our in-law Raila Odinga, Moses Wetang’ula, Musalia Mudavadi, and myself are not with you, you cannot win Western Kenya,” Atwoli said. “Mulembe Nation has its owners.”
The Western region, which boasts approximately 2.2 million votes across counties like Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, and Trans Nzoia, is increasingly becoming a political battleground as the 2027 polls draw nearer.
Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), is on a joint political charm offensive with Kalonzo, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, DCP acting Chairman Cleophas Malala, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi. The team visited Kakamega and Kisumu on Thursday as part of a wider regional tour that ends Friday, July 4.
The opposition has intensified its grassroots engagements in recent weeks, seeking to forge a broader coalition to rival President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance. Gachagua, who has taken a more critical stance against the current administration, has led rallies in Meru, Laikipia, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, among others.
Their recent stop in Narok County and current Western tour signal not just political mobilization but also strategic positioning ahead of anticipated realignments. Despite Atwoli’s remarks, the opposition is determined to present itself as a viable national alternative with cross-regional appeal.
