Opposition chiefs in rare show of unity as parties converge in Nyeri

The opposition chiefs yesterday held a major meeting at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County in a show of might and unity as they heightened efforts to remove President William Ruto from power in the 2027 polls.

New presidential election hopeful Fred Matiang’i was among the leaders who gathered at the home made famous for hosting leaders opposed to Ruto’s leadership and warned against divisions in efforts to make Ruto a one-term president.

“We have to defer our ambitions to succeed. The narrative of 42 tribes against us, for instance,is meant to divide us. The only divisions we have is those who want change and those who don’t want but I believe all of us want change,” Matiang’i told the Thanksgiving service.

People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua echoed Matiangi’s sentiments.

“Though many of us have declared presidential ambitions, we will shelve personal interests for the greater good. Kenya is bigger than any one individual,” Karua said as she warned the opposition will not accept Ruto’s plans to rig the elections.

Others who descended at Wamunyoro with their supporters on toe were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, former Cabinet Ministers Kipruto Kirwa, Noah Wekesa and Maina Kamanda.

In a show of number reminiscent to when the opposition united against Kanu in 2002 polls and a significant step toward building political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election, the leaders hinted at forming a formidable coalition to face Ruto.

The gathering, they said, was aimed to foster unity among leaders across the country as part of preparations for the next election.

In a symbolic show of the opposition’s hierarchy and Mt Kenya’s possible point person in 2027 presidential race, Karua a former Azimio la Umoja running mate was the chief guest during the event and spoke last after Kalonzo and Matiang’i.

“I am today hosting my sister Martha Karua here at my home in Wamunyoro. Other leaders, including my friend Dr Matiang’i, are accompanying her,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua and Kalonzo vowed to include the Gen Z in their camp and urged them to register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 elections to send Ruto packing from the House on the Hill.

Yesterday’s event marked the first major meeting for the opposition brigade, with Kalonzo stating that the nine-member team that met in Nairobi last week would be broadened.

Transformative changes

Karua said the unity among the opposition was not only to send Ruto home but to bring transformative changes to the country.

The rally, which drew large crowds and widespread media attention, was marked by passionate speeches calling for the removal of President Ruto in the 2027 election. Speakers accused the president of betrayal, corruption, and attempts to isolate certain communities from the national political conversation.

 Gachagua did not hold back in his criticism. “We have united with these leaders to look for a solution because Kenya has a problem. The government we have is a government of thieves and liars.”

 Gachagua claimed President Ruto has systematically sidelined the Mt Kenya region and attempted to revive divisive tribal politics reminiscent of 2007.

 “He planned a scheme to isolate our community after removing me from the government. His idea was to unite the rest of the country against the mountain,” Gachagua said.

Consolidate power

 He accused the president of bribing MPs and senators to consolidate power. “Ruto bought all our MPs with Sh500,000 and senators with Sh10 million,” he alleged.

 “But today, those plans are destroyed. This mountain is united and will join the rest of Kenya to make Ruto a one-term president.”

 Kalonzo warned against attempts to strip Uhuru of his constitutional rights. “Farouk Kibet, we are calling you out. If you want to deny Uhuru his rights, bring it on. Let them arrest him if they are brave enough,” Kalonzo challenged.

 He criticized the current administration’s rhetoric around unity and peace. “They talk about a government formed by bloodshed. If that is their stand, let them remain there. We will unite and form a new front,” Kalonzo said, signalling his coalition’s intention to mount a serious challenge.

 Matiang’i emphasised the importance of institutional trust. “We need to clean the country and restore faith in government so that when a leader says something, Kenyans believe it will happen,” he said.

 Matiang’i warned against tribal divisions and urged citizens not to lose hope. “What we are going through is temporary. We must come together and find a national solution,” he urged.

 Karua emphasised the need for unity to defeat what she termed a “corrupt and murderous regime.” She referenced the 2023 anti-government protests and Gen Z demonstrations, accusing Ruto’s government of authorising killings.

 “More than 70 people were killed last year, and the president chose to arrest journalists instead of those responsible for the killings. We must unite and get rid of ‘Kasongo Kaongo.’ Kenya must be governed by people who follow the law,” Karua said.

 Muturi accused President Ruto of hypocrisy. “He said he would stop extrajudicial killings, yet he was the one orchestrating them,” Muturi claimed. He also called for the reintroduction of free primary and secondary education.

 Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga rebuked the president for labelling Mt Kenya residents as tribal. “We elected him because he was standing with one of our own. Making a mistake is not bad, but repeating it is. You can take our money, but we will never forgive you for taking Rigathi for granted,” said Kahiga. “