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The opposition brigade yesterday wrapped up its three-day charm offensive in Western Kenya with a warning to residents not to fall for what it termed President William Ruto's "sweet tongue" and empty promises.
The leaders also vowed to remain united and field a single presidential candidate against President Ruto in the 2027 polls.
United opposition leaders claimed that Ruto deceived the region into backing him in the 2022 General Election, only to turn his back on it after assuming office.
They accused the President of making grand promises to the region during the last election campaign but failing to deliver once in power.
In the last election, Ruto outperformed the opposition in Bungoma, securing a surprise but significant victory in the hotly contested 2022 General Election.
Ruto signed a deal with Moses Wetang'ula and Musalia Mudavadi that included government positions and development projects for the region.
The opposition leaders now claim that Ruto is seeking to use the same strategy to win support ahead of the 2027 polls.
They spoke at a series of rallies in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua said Western Kenya had little to show for the commitments allegedly made by Ruto during the 2022 campaign.
“Be careful with him. He promised to build 1,000 kilometres of roads, revive Nzoia Sugar Company and expand electricity connectivity. None of those promises has been fulfilled,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President claimed he witnessed discussions on development commitments made to the region and accused Ruto of abandoning it after securing its votes.
“Do not allow yourselves to be cheated again. Unite behind your leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa and George Natembeya, so that you can safeguard your interests,” he said.
DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa accused the government of crippling the region's economy through its handling of key public enterprises, particularly Nzoia Sugar Company.
According to Wamalwa, residents should demand accountability from the President over the promises he made during the last campaign.
“Tell the people which promises you have fulfilled. If you have not delivered in four years, what exactly will you do in the remaining one year?” Wamalwa posed.
He also accused the administration of intimidating opposition leaders and frustrating opposition activities in various parts of the country.
Wamalwa argued that the government's economic policies had worsened the plight of Kenyans, contrary to the promises made under the Kenya Kwanza campaign platform.
“The hustlers and mama mboga who were promised economic empowerment have instead become poorer because of misguided policies,” he said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the 2027 General Election as a defining moment for the country's youth, saying it would provide an opportunity to reclaim Kenya from what he termed poor governance and economic hardship.
“The 2027 election will be about young people taking back their country. The youth are going to rescue this nation,” Kalonzo said.
The former Vice-President said opposition leaders were building a formidable political movement capable of defeating Ruto at the ballot.
“We are assembling a political machine bigger than any coalition seen before. We will support one candidate among us. I supported Raila Odinga before and I am ready to support any candidate who can help send Ruto home,” he said.
The opposition leaders also criticised the President's frequent foreign trips, branding him a “tourist President” who was detached from the struggles facing ordinary citizens.
Kalonzo further alleged that flagship government programmes, including the Affordable Housing Programme and the Social Health Authority (SHA), were riddled with corruption and cartels.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said an opposition government would review contracts entered into by the Kenya Kwanza administration and take action against those found to be detrimental to the public interest.
“We respect the government and its leaders, but what they are doing is not good for the country. When we form the next government, we will investigate these deals and cancel those that do not serve Kenyans,” Matiang'i said.
He accused the administration of neglecting the education sector and warned that continued challenges in schools threatened the future of millions of children.
Matiang'i pledged to prioritise reforms in education, a sector he previously oversaw during the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi also joined the attacks, accusing the government of pursuing controversial projects without adequate public participation.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The opposition leaders said they would continue traversing the country to popularise their agenda and rally support ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, which they insist will be a referendum on President Ruto's leadership and performance. However, whether the leaders will remain united remains to be seen.
