Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday led a high-profile whistle-stop tour across Ukambani, marking a significant milestone in the opposition’s renewed push for unity and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The duo, long seen as political heavyweights in their respective regions, joined forces to rally supporters under a united opposition banner, signalling an evolving alliance likely to reshape Kenya’s political landscape.
The tour kicked off at Sultan Hamud and proceeded through key towns including Emali, Makindu, Kibwezi, Kinyambu, and the Kambu/Machinery area. A surprise stop at Malili saw hundreds of supporters gather to receive the two leaders, underscoring the strong grassroots support they continue to command.
“Asante Malili for your warm welcome to United Opposition supporters on this whistle-stop tour,” Kalonzo posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, thanking the enthusiastic crowd.
The rallies mark the first time Kalonzo and Gachagua have hit the ground together despite months of behind-the-scenes meetings and consultations aimed at reorganising the opposition. Their joint appearance is viewed as a deliberate effort to consolidate opposition forces and build momentum as political temperatures begin to rise in the run-up to 2027.
For Gachagua, who has been increasingly vocal in criticising President William Ruto’s leadership, the partnership with Kalonzo is also seen as a strategic move to expand his political reach beyond Mt. Kenya and into other regions disillusioned with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Kalonzo, on the other hand, is reaffirming his role as a central figure in the opposition and is likely positioning himself as a key player in a possible coalition front to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid.
As the opposition seeks to broaden its support base, the Ukambani tour could be a precursor to more regional campaigns in a bid to galvanise national support under a unified front.
Observers now await whether this emerging alliance will evolve into a formidable coalition capable of mounting a serious challenge in 2027.
