Opposition team eyes Ruto-Raila turfs with tagetted whirlwind tours

Opposition leaders are expanding their political reach in a new tactic targeting President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s bastions.

The alliance this week launched a strategic offensive in regions historically loyal to Ruto and Raila. The grouping comprises Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Martha Karua (PLP), and Justin Muturi (DP).

Gachagua’s impeachment makes him ineligible to hold public office but he is trying to overturn his removal, so that he can vie.

This week, the team began a whirlwind campaign blitz that has swept through several counties considered core to Ruto’s Rift Valley base and Raila’s Western bloc.

The move is widely seen as an attempt to dismantle traditional political loyalties by capitalising on growing public discontent, Gen Z activism and mounting economic grievances.

The high-energy, whistle-stop rallies are part of an effort to position the group as a viable alternative coalition — one that can tap into the electorate’s shifting mood ahead of the high-stakes 2027 polls.

On Monday, Gachagua and Kalonzo led coordinated stops in Bomet, Mulot in Bomet and Narok, making it clear that no region is off-limits in their push to challenge Ruto’s hold on power.

“We want to make a declaration here in Narok to send Ruto home in 2027. I have the blessing of my people from the Mountain to make friends with other regions,” Gachagua told a rally in Narok town.

On Thursday, the opposition brigade rolls into Vihiga and Kakamega to popularise their new unity and woo the region that traditionally has voted for anti-government candidates.

Raila’s recent move to sign a cooperation agreement with President William Ruto has triggered a political shake-up, with the opposition now eyeing a significant share of the coastal vote. The Coast has been considered Raila turf.

Gachagua and Kalonzo are banking on solid support from Western Kenya to strengthen their coalition and mount a serious challenge to make Ruto a one-term president.

The team was to camp in Nyamira county and Kisii on Tuesday and Wednesday but were shelved after area leaders reportedly requested more time to get prepared.

The tour continues with Busia on Friday and Bungoma the following day.

According to a schedule seen by the Star, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya will join the team as it travels in Western counties.

“Trans Nzoia Governor Natembeya will join the group in Western counties,” the itinerary seen by the Star reads.

Including Natembeya, the former Rift Valley regional commissioner, is meant to add regional political muscle to the movement.

Recently, Natembeya held a series of rallies across the region following his arraignment on graft charges, which he denies. The gatherings highlight the region’s shifting political loyalties.

The climax of the tour will come on Monday, July 7, in a symbolic roadside blitz through key towns along the Kitale-Nairobi highway.

The leaders will address rallies in Eldoret, Nakuru, and Naivasha, areas considered UDA bedrock.

The incursion is being interpreted as a bold attempt to rattle the ruling coalition in its own backyard.

During the Coast and Ukambani tours, the opposition leaders sustained their push for the next president to come from the opposition.

They pledged to unite behind a single presidential candidate in 2027, promising a well-organised campaign with trained agents at every polling station to counter any attempt at election rigging.

“Even if they stuff the IEBC with their puppets, we will beat them at every polling station. Our agents will relay real-time results. No tricks. No games,” Kalonzo said.

“Time is up for this administration.”

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Opposition has united with the sole aim of unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 elections and renders him one-term President. The united opposition has of late embarked on the countrywide tours to popularise their new unity and endear themselves to Kenyans. The group is, however, faced with the main task of keeping intact and approaching the next elections as a team without disintegration that normally comes with the deciding on the flagbearer.