Gachagua, Kalonzo tear into Ruto as opposition storms Coast campaign trail
Political tensions continue to escalate across the country as rival camps intensify their campaigns and sharpen their attacks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Leaders of the United Alternative Government (UAG) led by Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, took their campaign to the Coast region, where they launched a scathing critique of President William Ruto and his administration.
Speaking during rallies in Mombasa, including Kongowea Market, Kingeleni and Tononoka Grounds, Gachagua dismissed the President’s recent tour of Murang’a County as stage-managed and lacking genuine public support.
He alleged that the events were orchestrated to create an artificial display of popularity, further claiming that political mobilisation under the current administration had become transactional, with individuals allegedly being paid to attend rallies.
Gachagua also accused the government of sidelining youth in the Coast region, arguing that despite their political usefulness, they are often overlooked when employment opportunities arise.
He pledged that an alternative administration would prioritise job creation for local youth.
In a controversial turn, Gachagua raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
He claimed that Odinga’s travel abroad for treatment was not sanctioned by his doctors and called into question the communication surrounding his passing, including statements made by his long-time aide Dennis Onyango.
At the same time, Kalonzo defended his longstanding political ties with Odinga, asserting that he is best placed to inherit the Coast region, which has historically been a stronghold of the former Prime Minister.
Other opposition figures, including Eugene Wamalwa and Justin Muturi, echoed criticism of the government, accusing it of misplaced priorities and failing to address pressing economic concerns.
The opposition leaders are expected to continue their Coast tour, with plans to attend a church service in Bamburi as they sustain their grassroots mobilisation.
Meanwhile, Jubilee presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i struck a more conciliatory tone, calling for peace and restraint in the country’s political discourse. Speaking during a Sabbath service in Nyamira County, Matiang’i urged politicians to avoid inciting violence and instead prioritise national stability.
He emphasised the importance of allowing security agencies to operate independently, cautioning against political interference in policing.
Matiang’i warned that attempts to manipulate security forces for political ends risk undermining law and order, urging leaders to engage citizens calmly and responsibly.
Even as political rhetoric intensifies, President Ruto continued to highlight his administration’s development agenda.
During a visit to Kigumo constituency in Murang’a County, he commissioned a 10,000-litre milk cooler at Kangari United Dairy Cooperative Society.
The project is part of a broader plan to install 12 bulk milk coolers across the county, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing value addition, and boosting incomes for more than 3,600 dairy farmers.
