Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has embarked on a tour of Siaya, seeking to garner support from the region's voters. During his visit to Bondo on Sunday, Kalonzo invoked his long-standing political association with Raila Odinga, urging the community to reciprocate the support he claimed to have extended to the late opposition leader over the years. He presented himself as a loyal ally who stood with Raila through difficult moments.
Kalonzo recalled the political struggles he shared with Raila and cited his support for the former ODM leader in 2013, 2017, and 2022. He played a 2022 clip of Raila praising him as a steadfast leader, better than President William Ruto. The Wiper boss was accompanied by several opposition figures, including DAP-Kenya boss Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi. Notably, Siaya Governor James Orengo, who is expected to chair The Ukombozi Alliance, was absent.
During his address, Kalonzo turned his attention to President Ruto, accusing his administration of not genuinely seeking to protect and advance Raila's political legacy. He criticised plans to mark Raila's first anniversary, claiming that some of those expected to participate were the same people who had denied Raila victory in previous elections. Kalonzo described the planned anniversary activities as "dancing on his grave" and urged the people of Siaya and Nyanza to stand with him.
Eugene Wamalwa, the DAP-K leader, echoed Kalonzo's sentiments, stating that the opposition would not allow President Ruto to disrespect Raila in death. Wamalwa cited alleged remarks by Ruto that he defeated former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his project. He appealed to the region to stick with Kalonzo, a long-time ally of Raila, to avoid being left behind in the newfound opposition wave.
Justin Muturi, the DP leader, alleged that President Ruto is now seeking votes from neighbouring countries, having realised he does not have enough local votes to guarantee re-election. Muturi claimed that Ruto had opened all border points to allow foreigners to register as voters. The leaders attended a church service at St Michael's All Angels Cathedral before proceeding with a meet-the-people tour in Bondo.
The visit by Kalonzo and his allies is part of a broader push by the opposition to consolidate support in Nyanza and Western ahead of the 2027 elections. Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe told the community to reciprocate the 15 years Kalonzo has stood by Raila. Mawathe noted that Kalonzo had been ready to go for the top seat on three instances but instead chose to support Raila.
The opposition leaders' visit to Siaya comes days after President Ruto completed a five-day tour of Nyanza, seeking to deepen his administration's political presence in a region long associated with Raila and the opposition. Kalonzo's efforts to garner support in Siaya are seen as a significant move in the region's politics, with the 2027 elections looming.
Key points
- Kalonzo Musyoka invokes Raila Odinga's name as he seeks to garner support in Siaya.
- The opposition leaders criticised President Ruto's administration for allegedly not genuinely seeking to protect Raila's legacy.
- The visit is part of a broader push by the opposition to consolidate support in Nyanza and Western ahead of the 2027 elections.
