The opposition will from Friday embark on a three-day political charm offensive in Western Kenya.
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.
