Opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto of sidelining the Mt. Kenya and Ukambani regions in development, alleging that the Head of State is concentrating impactful community empowerment projects in his Rift Valley backyard.
Led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the leaders claimed that the President has been offering less meaningful handouts to regions perceived to be critical of his administration, while reserving more transformative programs for his political stronghold.
Speaking on Friday during a tour of the Coast-bound stretch of Makueni County, the leaders held roadside rallies in towns including Malili, Salama, Sultan Hamud, Emali, Makindu, and Mtito Andei as they mobilized support for their political outfit.
“Hapa Ukambani na Mlima, anawatuma watu wa soprano wapeleke pombe na maharagwe. Lakini kwao tunawaona wakipeleka bodaboda, posho mill, cherehani na vifaa vya maana,” said Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, responding to calls for him to work with the government, dismissed any possibility of joining what he termed as a “blood-based” administration.
“Inaitwa blood-based government, na sisi hatutaingia kwa hiyo serikali,” Kalonzo asserted.
Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa also weighed in, criticizing the government’s integrity.
“Mnaweza kubali mtu ako na mkono safi kushikana na watu wako na mikono ya damu, ya wizi na ufisadi?” he posed to the crowd.
The leaders maintained that they are united in their resolve to remove President Ruto from power in the 2027 elections.
“Hata kama Ruto atajiweka chairman wa IEBC, ataenda nyumbani. Ama sivyo?” Kalonzo said, referencing what he described as increasing electoral manipulation. “Tarehe 25 itakuwa Gen Z Day.”
Gachagua echoed the sentiment, championing a one-term presidency for Ruto. “Harambee, one term, wewe Kaongo!” he declared during a rallying cry.
Meanwhile, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior endorsed Kalonzo’s 2027 presidential bid, urging the opposition to present him as their unified candidate.
“Sisi kama Makindu tumesema Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka,” Mutula declared.
