Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua arrived in Kisumu on Thursday morning, marking the beginning of a significant two-day campaign tour aimed at consolidating opposition support in the Western Kenya region. Gachagua, now the leader of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), was warmly received by allies at Kisumu International Airport, setting the stage for a political blitz through Vihiga and Kakamega counties.
The visit is part of a broader “liberation cause” campaign spearheaded by leading opposition figures seeking to harness growing public frustration over the country’s economic hardships and governance issues. The opposition aims to expand its national footprint and present a formidable alternative to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Thursday’s itinerary includes rallies in Luanda and Mbale in Vihiga County, before proceeding to Malava, Mumias, and Kakamega town. The team will engage residents directly, addressing concerns ranging from the cost of living to alleged state overreach and marginalisation.
Gachagua is accompanied by a strong contingent of senior opposition leaders, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i, and Justin Muturi. Also joining the campaign are Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, underscoring the high stakes of the political push.
This charm offensive follows a series of rallies in Meru, Laikipia, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, with the most recent stop being Narok County. The opposition has intensified grassroots engagements in recent weeks, aiming to build momentum and galvanize support ahead of anticipated political realignments.
Gachagua’s sharp criticism of the Ruto administration has positioned him as a central figure in the opposition’s bid to reclaim political ground. His Kisumu tour signals more than just a symbolic gesture; it reflects a deliberate strategy to tap into Western Kenya’s political significance.
As the campaign rolls on, all eyes will be on how residents respond to this renewed opposition drive—and whether it can reshape Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
