Western tour: United Opposition vows to select one candidate

United Opposition on Friday embarked on a three-day tour of Western reiterating their resolve to rally behind a single candidate to battle it with President William Ruto.

Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, who heads the opposition coalition's mobilisation efforts, was joined by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi (DP) and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.

The team was received at Kisumu International Airport by Gachagua’s deputy Cleophas Malala before embarking on a series of political engagements across the region.

The team started with a rally in Luanda town, Vihiga county where they promised to remain united and rally behind one of them to face-off with Ruto.

In Vihiga, the team addressed supporters in Luanda, Khwirumbi, Khayega, Malava and Mayunge centers.

“We have agreed that we will field one of us to face off with President William Ruto,” Gachagua said.

“Western you have been used as toilet paper, the time is ripe for you to liberate yourself. You have serious leaders like Wamalwa, Natembeya and Sifuna. Take advantage of this moment.”

On his part, Kalonzo said the team are waiting for the Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi to join the team so that they can form a formidable team.

“This is the time to liberate this country. We are waiting for Linda Mwananchi to join us to save this country,” he said.

Eugene said the opposition team must rally behind one candidate.

“We plead with you to back us so that we can push the change that this country needs.”

“We will not allow ourselves to be divided, we shall rally behind one of us to face-off with Ruto in 2027,” Malala said.

The Western visit also marks Gachagua's final major political engagement before he retreats to his Wamunyoro home for a 45-day consultative ‘conclave’.

During the period, the former deputy president is expected to engage political leaders, professionals, religious figures and grassroots representatives on the most suitable formula for identifying a joint opposition presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The conclave starts on Monday.