Kalonzo, Gachagua set to lead opposition troops to coast
The opposition troop, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Kalonzo Musyoka, is set to take their unity popularisation campaign to the coastal region on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
This marks day two of what they term a unity for popularisation campaign. This follows a series of successful roadside rallies across Ukambani on Friday, June 6.
The team made several stopovers in key towns, including Malili, Sultan Hamud, Emali, Makindu, Kibwezi, and Machinery, where they addressed large crowds and pushed their message of unity and political realignment.
The trail comprises prominent leaders such as former Cabinet Secretary and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, and Jubilee Party Chairman Saitoti Njoroge.
On Saturday, the same caravan is expected to traverse the coastal belt, a region that has traditionally supported Raila Odinga.
However, according to the opposition team, a significant portion of coastal residents are members of the Kamba community and have historically aligned with Raila due to Kalonzo’s partnership with him, a dynamic they say is now shifting.
In a post shared on social media, Kalonzo indicated that the coastal tour will begin in Voi Town, then proceed to Maungu, Mariakani, and Mazeras, with the day’s activities culminating in a major rally in Kisauni.
The opposition aims to strengthen its base in the region and solidify its message ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What stood out during Friday’s rally in Ukambani was when Rigathi Gachagua referred to the Kamba community as their cousins, a soundbite that has since been widely picked up and echoed by Kenyans, especially the point where he said, “Hi, cousins.”
Speaking alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in Makueni on June 6, 2025, Gachagua described the Kamba as cousins to the Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities to highlight cultural and historical ties.
He urged for unity in order to secure political power in 2027, stating, “Nyinyi Wakamba na sisi watu wa Mlima ni ma cousins.”
Opposition against Ruto
This comes at a time when the opposition has aligned to ensure that President Ruto serves only one term.
The team, which includes impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP party leader Martha Karua, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, and Mithika Linturi, has joined hands to prevent Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
They first convened at Wamunyoro, Gachagua’s residence, after holding a series of boardroom meetings in Nairobi, where they publicly announced their agenda.
The leaders vowed to shelve their individual ambitions and rally behind one candidate who will be named the opposition’s presidential flag bearer.
Following this, the team visited Kalonzo’s home in Tseikuru, where they made a similar declaration and urged the Kamba region to unite behind their son, Kalonzo Musyoka.
