Democracy for Citizen Party(DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua./HANDOUTThe political charm offensive will be the third significant foray by the coalition after previous tours of Ukambani and the Coast region.
Gachagua and Kalonzo are seeking to consolidate their support bases while also penetrating new territories as they craft what they claim to be a winning ticket for the 2027 general election.
During the Coast and Ukambani tours, the opposition leaders sustained their push to unseat President William Ruto in the next poll.
As part of the opposition coalition’s broader strategy to mobilise the country and win over Gen Z voters, they have also planned vigils in key towns on June 25 to honour the youths who died last year.
Insiders say the opposition leaders will lead candlelighting sessions in various towns, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and several others within their strongholds.
While the opposition is yet to confirm the actual dates for their major tour of the Western region for strategic reasons, there are reports that the tour is scheduled for next weekend, June 21.
Gachagua had been slated to tour Kakamega Town on May 23, but he did not attend rallies organised by his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader, Cleophas Malalah, due to security concerns.
Malalah’s rallies were later disrupted when police lobbed tear gas at supporters who had gathered to welcome him to the region.
However, on May 31, Malala made a comeback to Malava Constituency in Kakamega County, accompanied by key DCP leaders, where he addressed several rallies.
According to Malala, the opposition is planning mega rallies in Western Kenya in the coming days to showcase the movement’s growing influence.
Wafula Wamunyinyi, a key ally of DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, said the Western region has firmly shifted to the opposition.
“In the coming days, Western Kenya will send a strong political message to the country—that we are united in the push to liberate the country come 2027,” Wamunyinyi said.
“All the opposition leaders will soon
tour Western Kenya to ring-fence the region and assert their influence.”
Key opposition leaders from Western Kenya include Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Recently, Natembeya held a series of rallies across the region following his arraignment on alleged graft charges, a move that highlighted the shifting political loyalties in the area ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua and Kalonzo are banking on solid support from Western Kenya to strengthen their coalition and mount a serious challenge to make President Ruto a one-term president.
