It will be the the last joint rally as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua begins the journey on settling on a joint candidate against President William Ruto.
Gachagua has announced that that he will from Monday retreat for a 45-day conclave at his
Wamunyoro backyard on how to settle on a single opposition flag-bearer.
The rallies, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, are expected
to bring together key opposition figures seeking to consolidate support in the
vote-rich region.
Some of the opposition heavyweights expected include Kalonzo
Musyoka (Wiper), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Justin Muturi (DP), Fred Matiang’i (Jubilee),
George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia Governor) and Martha Karua (PLP).
Gachagua on Thursday held a meeting with Natembeya ahead of the tour where they discussed a number
of issues including the need for a single candidate.
“We have discussed the forthcoming tour of the Western region by the United Alternative Government starting tomorrow, Friday June 12, 2026,” Gachagua said.
“The Governor has briefed me on the commitment of the great
people of Western to join other Kenyans in liberating our nation which has
been mismanaged by this kleptomaniac regime.”
The two leaders also underscored the need for a single
candidate to face off with Ruto in next year’s election.
“I am very happy that Governor Natembeya just like me and
colleagues in the United Alternative Government is clear that the only way to
liberate our country is to identify one presidential candidate to face Ruto on August 10, 2027,” Gachagua said.
“I have briefed him on my 45-day stakeholder engagement at
my Wamunyoro residence to build consensus with my support base on the
identification of a single presidential candidate for the United Alternative
Government. This is as espoused in our DCP Party philosophy of
listening to the people.”
The 45-day engagement programme is expected to culminate in
major political announcements, including the possible unveiling of a candidate
to challenge President William Ruto in the next election cycle.
The Western Kenya tour comes on the backdrop of reports of
simmering tensions between Gachagua and his deputy in the DCP party, Cleophas Malala.
While Gachagua is yet to respond to the ‘fallout’ publicly,
Malala on the other hand has dismissed the claims as rumours.
The former Kakamega senator insisted that he enjoys cordial
relationship with his boss.
Speaking at a funeral in Ikolomani, Kakamega county last weekend, Malala
said the rumours were being fuelled in an effort to weaken the
opposition ahead of the next election.
"I want to tell the people behind the propaganda that we are very much united."
The Western delegation is expected to traverse several
counties across the region, holding roadside rallies, town hall meetings and
consultations with local leaders.
Some of the counties the team will tour include Vihiga, Kakamega,
Bungoma Busia and Trans Nzoia.
The rally will also serve as a platform for listening to
residents' concerns while strengthening the opposition's grassroots networks.
Western Kenya has increasingly become a battleground for
competing political formations, with major players seeking to expand their
influence beyond traditional strongholds.
The opposition hopes the tour will help cement its presence
in the region while projecting an image of unity despite emerging internal
disagreements.
